Friday, December 19, 2008

Pocket sized Constitutions

When have you last read the U.S. Constitution? If you're an American citizen, I hope it was recently. I'm ashamed to confess, though, this hasn't been on the top of my reading list until recently.

And just yesterday I found the coolest thing! It's a pocket sized, laminated little thing made by QuickMarks. I picked one up for less than $5 and now whenever I'm standing in line anywhere, I can pull it out and read about the rights my country's founding fathers died to give me. Pretty cool, huh!

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Law of the Harvest

Today's quote:
"One of the distinguishing characteristics of our world is that it is a place of law and order, and the basic law of creation is God's fundamental law of compensation. It says that all work must be paid for, that we can no more do a good thing without sometime, in some way receiving a reward, than we can do an evil thing without suffering a penalty.

"In everything that we do, including the very thoughts that we think, we are subject to this interesting, undeviating eternal law. It is just as universal in its operation as are the laws of gravity, electricity, light or heat. It is never set aside, it is never suspended or restricted, and it governs in every department of human activity. Nothing is ever denied well-directed effort and nothing is ever achieved without it (Sterling W. Sill, The Law of the Harvest, 11).
I look at our nation today, and the nations in other areas, and I wonder how well the citizens understand this divine law in action. We have been given choice for each 24 hour period of our lives. What we choose either contributes to the lives of others and ourselves, or it detracts or even destroys. And at some point, what we send out will come back -- with ourselves on the receiving end.

The more we study the principles of good government, the more we can follow in the footsteps of men like George Washington, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, etc. We can make a difference in serving the cause of freedom. I used to think this would be a boring process, but the more I pour myself into the study of the principles they fought for, the more it enriches my life. Not boring at all!

Were these men without flaw? Not at all. That's what makes their sacrifice for noble causes even more amazing to me. It doesn't take a perfect man, woman or child to make a beautiful difference in the lives of their fellow human beings. It just takes one who is willing to make the effort. And that, my friends, is the law of the harvest in action. Without planting the seed, there will be no plant.

And without studying the lives and purposes of our Founding Fathers, how will we recognize the brilliance of what they've left us. A plant not watered is a plant soon withering and gone. Who will sustain our Founding Fathers efforts? I invite you to join with me to study the time-honored gift they've given to the world. Freedom is a noble principle. We do not need be flawless to be its friend and conveyor.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The Code of the Good American

I found an old book recently in a used bookstore (sometimes these stores are our society's most priceless of jewels). Published in 1941, the book is called The American Citizens Handbook.

The book's author quotes William J. Hutchins' 1916 text, "The Code of the Good American." Mr. Hutchins' words are rather urgent for us as Americans today. Have we strayed far since his words nearly 100 years? It's important to remember not to injure another, whether in word or in deed.

Here are his words:
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THE LAW OF SELFCONTROL

"The Good American Controls Himself.
"Those who best control themselves can best serve their country.
  • "I will control my tongue, and will not allow it to speak mean, vulgar, or profane words. I will think before I speak. I will tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
  • "I will control my temper, and will not get angry when people or things displease me. Even when indignant against wrong and contradicting falsehood, I will keep my selfcontrol.
  • "I will control my thoughts, and will not allow a foolish wish to spoil a wise purpose.
  • "I will control my actions. I will be careful and thrifty, and insist on doing right.
  • "I will not ridicule nor defile the character of another; I will keep my selfrespect, and help others to keep theirs."
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That kind of says it all, doesn't it?