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posted by Michael on 08/27/08

On Tuesday of our trip, we took a morning outing to see the local Petroglyphs near Peterborough, Ontario. What I had expected to be only interesting turned out to be downright inspiring!

The petroglyphs are ancient carvings in rock, estimated to be between 500 and 1100 years old. Their origin is debated, but generally accepted to be from the native Algonquian Indians, who call them Kinomagewapkong, or “the Teaching Rocks”. At first glance they appear to be a confusing jumble of shapes, lines, and figures that one would suppose to be based on superstition. But thinking of the effort that one would have to take to deeply etch something in stone makes me think that it may be something more. Mom pointed something out to me that I had not noticed. There was a carving of a boat with eight figures in it, one was very large, three were shorter, and four were smaller yet. “Wow” I thought, “The flood in ancient records once again!”

There were also carvings of snakes, which are thought of as evil enemies coming from beneath. That obviously reminded me of Satan and those that belong to him. As Jesus said, “Ye are from beneath… of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.” (John 8:23 and 44 and also 1 Peter 5:8). The powerful thunderbird is thought of as the guardian of the people, creating lightning and thunder and wind. The fog is said to be his clothing, and when the fog is very thick, Thunderbird has come down to consume the enemy. In Scripture, David wrote of Jehovah being his fortress, deliver, refuge, and savior who came down from above with thunder and lightning, wrapped in dark waters and thick clouds of the skies, delivering him from his enemy that was too strong for him (2 Samuel 22:1-28). Jehovah also came down with lightning, thunder and smoke on Mount Sinai to deliver His law (Ex. 20:18).

Then there was the “Nanabush”. I read about it quickly and moved on. Later Daniel excitedly told me what I had not noticed. Why had I not seen it?! (more…)

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posted by Michael on 07/23/08

The letter was written by Lady Jane Grey, the “9-days Queen”, just before she was put to death at about 17 years of age. One of the most well educated people of her time and a devout Protestant, she took no interest in the common pursuits of the young people of her day. She had her “affection on things above, not on things of the earth” Col. 3:2. She was one of the only true friends of the beloved King Edward VI, and as he was dying at the age of 16, hasty alterations were made to the law of succession so that she could become queen after his death. The crown would have otherwise devolved to Edward’s half-sister Mary Tudor, whose bitterness toward Protestants was a huge concern of Edward’s. The decision to transfer the kingdom to Jane Grey was also motivated by the self-interest of power-seeking individuals, and viewed as a rebellion. Lady Jane, whose eyes were on the unseen Kingdom, was shocked and very reluctant to accept, doing so only after much urging. As power shifted to Mary Tudor, those who had been following Edward’s plan (and Dudley’s!) began to surrender. The new queen Mary had no personal hatred toward Jane and her life was secure until Wyatt’s uprising forced queen Mary to do away with anyone who could supply a basis for opposition. Mary’s resolution to execute Lady Jane came as no surprise to her, and also as no concern. She wrote to her sister Catherine, “And as touching my death, rejoice as I do, good sister, that I shall be delivered of this corruption and put on incorruption. For I am assured that I shall, for losing of a mortal life, win an immortal life, the which I pray God grant you, and send you of his grace to live in his fear, and to die in the true Christian faith, from the which, in God’s name, I exhort you that you never swerve, neither for hope of life nor for fear of death.” John Feckenham was sent to try to persuade her to become Catholic, and their debates were a great delight to Jane. Feckenham was astonished at her calm behavior, great knowledge, and sense of religion. She was beheaded on February 12, 1554. According to John Foxe (1517-1587), Judge Morgan who pronounced her sentence was so affected by her death that he went mad. Queen Mary was also troubled.

While Bloody Queen Mary suffered both the trouble of ruling the kingdom and the agony of both bitterness and guilt, Lady Jane Gray was living in the splendor of eternal life in the kingdom of God and in the presence of her “Saviour Christ”. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” 2 Cor. 4:17-18. Remember, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us” 2 Tim. 2:12

4 Comments » | posted in Historical Glimpses

posted by Michael on 07/15/08

Here is a letter I recently read and was very impressed with, but was quite surprised to find out who wrote it. It opened my eyes afresh to the seriousness of forsaking Christ! See if you can guess out who wrote it with such authority. I can provide a couple hints if needed. By the way, do you real-ize Christ’s payment for your sin? Do you understand the awe of eternal rewards compared to the vanishing world? Is the judgement day real to you?

“To Mr. Harding

“So oft as I call to mind the dreadful and fearful saying of God, that he which layeth hold upon the plough, and looketh back, is not meet for the kingdom of heaven; and, on the other side, the comfortable words of our Saviour Christ to all that, forsaking themselves, do follow him, I cannot but marvel at thee, and lament thy case, which seemed sometime to be

(more…)

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posted by Donald on 07/11/08

Thanks to everyone for their participation. I’m glad that I could be a part of your celebration this year even if it did come from afar and necessitate a week of suspense. After all, the role of a teacher is to raise questions before answering them right? So, the points of interest …
1. July 4 became an official national holiday in 1941. (Answer D) Of course it was celebrated before but it took till 1941 to officially become a holiday–believe it or not.
2. July 4 is the date on which new stars were added to the flag for new states that had entered the Union. (True)
3. All of the following are flag-flying days: Christmas, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. (A, B, C and D)
4. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark had the honor of celebrating the first Fourth of July west of the Mississippi. (B)
5. Almost all our fireworks (as well as American flags!) come from China. Their “pyrotechnic mixtures” date back to the 11th century.
6. In the production of fireworks, sodium is used to create green or yellow, lithium is used for red and copper actually helps make blue!
7. This year, Iowa was responsible for producing most of the United States’ hot dogs and sausages. (C)
8. Last year California produced about 75% of the country’s lettuce and a full 96% of the country’s processed tomato products which would include ketchup.
9. Yes, according to tradition, the Liberty Bell cracked when it tolled the death of Chief Justice John Marshall not long after sixty years of use. It’s first two versions were defective and would not have lasted even that long. Today the Liberty Bell is tapped rather than rung on the Fourth.
10, 11. The Bald Eagle does live only in North American and acquires it’s white head at about five years of age. (True, C)
12. Since 1776 the US population has grown from about 2.5 to 304 million. (D) “In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince” (Proverbs 14:28).
13. Virginia is called the Mother of Presidents: seven of her first twelve presidents were born there–Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Harrison, Tyler and Taylor. Woodrow Wilson also came from this state.
14. Three of our presidents passed away on July 4th, Adams and Jefferson within hours of one another on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration. As a matter of fact, Adams and Jefferson were the only signers of the Declaration that later became president.
15. According to records kept by Jefferson, the weather during July 4, 1776 was in the 70’s. (C)
16. The Declaration of Independence begins with “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another . . .” (When)
17. God alone can judge men’s hearts. Jefferson and Franklin were more outspoken in their views than most of the other signers of the Declaration (and are thus quoted more often at present) and while John Adams seemed to turn away from the God of the Bible later in life, founding father James Wilson’s faith could also be questioned. Nominal religion aside, God used them as in the case of Franklin’s bringing the Constitutional Convention to prayer in it’s deliberations, reminding them that if God cared for the least of sparrows, He would care also for the fledgling nation.
18. Reagan was one who believed that “We are a nation under God”. This quote is taken from January 201 981.
19, 20. It says something about the nature of the Republic when Britain, our former adversary, has become our 6th-closest partner in international trade. Also, from statistics for 2003, but for Japan it was also the nation which sent America the greatest number of tourists.
Last but not least (drumroll please), the frame of the Statue of Liberty was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who engineered the Eiffel Tower.

1 Comment » | posted in Historical Glimpses

posted by Donald on 07/4/08

Before reading too much further, grab a pen or pencil and some note paper. As you think back to one of history’s most climactic days, jot down your best guess for the following 20 questions. Check back next week for the answers and have a memorable Fourth!

1. July 4 became an official national holiday in what year?
A. 1641 B. 1741 C. 1841 D.1941
2. True or False: July 4 is the date on which new stars were added to the flag for new states entering the Union.
3. Which of the following are flag-flying days?
A. Christmas B. Memorial Day C. Thanksgiving D. New Year’s Day
4. Who had the honor of celebrating the first Fourth of July west of the Mississippi River?
A. Wild Bill Hitchcok B. Meriwether Lewis & William Clark C. Davy Crockett
5. Almost all the fireworks on sale for July 4 in the United States come from what country?
6. In the production of fireworks, sodium is used to create what color?
7. Which state, this year, will be responsible for producing most of the hot dogs and sausages consumed on the fourth of July?
A. Alaska B. Missouri C. Iowa D. North Carolina
8. Which state, in 2007, produced 75% of the country’s lettuce and 96% of the country’s processed tomato products including ketchup?
9. True or False: According to tradition, the Liberty Bell cracked in 1835 when it tolled the death of Chief Justice John Marshall.
10. True or False: The Bald Eagle lives only on the North American continent.
11. At what approximate age does the Bald Eagle acquire it’s “bald” white head?
A. While fledging B. At two years C. At 5 years D. At 10 years
12. Since 1776 the US population has increase from about 2.5 million to ______ million.
A. 100 B. 200 C. 300 D. Over 300
13. True or False: Seven of the first twelve presidents were born in Virginia.
14. True or False: Three of our presidents passed away on July 4th.
15. The weather during July 4, 1776 was …
A. Unseasonably cold? B. Hot and muggy? C. In the 70’s?
16. Do you know the first word in the Declaration of Independence? ((Hint: It is not ‘We’))
17. Two Founding Fathers openly denied the Christianity of the Bible. Who were they?
18. What recent president said “We are a nation under God”?
19. What nation has become our 6th-closest partner in international trade?
20. Which two nations have the most tourists in the United States?
Bonus
The iron frame of the Statue of Liberty was designed but what famous engineer?

2 Comments » | posted in Historical Glimpses