“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure…”

- Abraham Lincoln (from The Gettysburg Address)

Courage, then, my countrymen; our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty. Dismissing, therefore, the justice of our cause as incontestable, the only question is, What is best for us to pursue in our present circumstances?

The doctrine of dependence on Great Britain is, I believe, generally exploded; but as I would attend to the honest weakness of the simplest of men, you will pardon me if I offer a few words on that subject.

We are now on this continent, to the astonishment of the world, three millions of souls united in one cause. We have large armies, well disciplined and appointed, with commanders inferior to none in military skill, and superior in activity and zeal. We are furnished with arsenals and stores beyond our most sanguine expectations, and foreign nations are waiting to crown our success by their alliances. There are instances of, I would say, an almost astonishing providence in our favor; our success has staggered our enemies, and almost given faith to infidels; so we may truly say it is not our own arm which has saved us.

The hand of Heaven appears to have led us on to be, perhaps, humble instruments and means in the great providential dispensation which is completing. We have fled from the political Sodom; let us not look back lest we perish and become a monument of infamy and derision to the world. For can we ever expect more unanimity and a better preparation for defense; more infatuation of counsel among our enemies, and more valor and zeal among ourselves? The same force and resistance which are sufficient to procure us our liberties will secure us a glorious independence and support us in the dignity of free imperial States. We can not suppose that our opposition has made a corrupt and dissipated nation more friendly to America, or created in them a greater respect for the rights of mankind. We can therefore expect a restoration and establishment of our privileges, and a compensation for the injuries we have received from their want of power, from their fears, and not from their virtues. The unanimity and valor which will effect an honorable peace can render a future contest for our liberties unnecessary. He who has strength to chain down the wolf is a madman if he let him loose without drawing his teeth and paring his nails.

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“My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.”

- Thomas Jefferson

A gentle flow of passion’s hand,
caressing ever softly nigh,
across a brow, amidst a sigh;
until the end of passing sand.

What can I bring to passion’s door?
I am nothing, but I will love,
til’ heaven sends its floating dove,
and all of time exists no more.
Copyright © 2010 Keith Blackie

Lord God Almighty, we acknowledge that You are our great Provider and Sustainer. This financial situation is overwhelming for us, but from You comes all power to make wealth and to redeem us from our indebtedness. Deliver us from this crisis, Lord God. Comfort those in our nation who are hurting, and show them the unshakable foundation of Your Word. Reveal to us Your glory so that we will know You are God and from Your hand comes every good thing–including temporary things like the food we eat daily and eternal provision such as the salvation of our souls. Surely, Father, the person who trusts in You will never lack any good thing. Thank You for hearing my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

- Dr. Charles Stanley
140 days- Week 6: Turning the tide

Traditionally, in America, many, if not most Americans, have dreamed of having their own business. And, in America, some have been more willing to take that risk then others. Either way, please remember,  just the fact that you, as an American citizen, can wake up on any given day, and decide that you would like to start your own business, is an amazing freedom that our founders bestowed to us! 

We must always be mindful of the great blessings and freedoms we have in this country. And, if necessary, be willing to fight, even die, to defend those freedoms!

Our founders entrusted these freedoms to we, the people; and to show them that we are eternally grateful for their hard work, we “must” carry on the torch of freedom, and pass it onto our next generation.

God Bless The United States of America!

Courage dawns, the meek to see;
Blossomed bowel – humanity.

Twisted limbs, the strong to fail;
Cross of red – to no avail.

Final wrap, its shadow’s might;
Whisked away – the reaper’s night.

Mourning weep, the live to feel;
Coffin draped – somber reveal.

Beseiged minds, to carry on;
Without him – courageous one.

Evening passed, a thousand moons;
Linger still – an eye’s monsoons.

Courage dawns, the meek to be;
Blossomed soul – eternity.

Copyright © 2010 Keith Blackie