Last minute questions...

In case anyone is reading this before we leave, could you answer some questions for me? What materials are any of you taking besides the binder, which already weighs 25 lbs? I don't have, need, or want a kindle, so my books are real and very heavy as well. Are we supposed to take JA and Walden?

Also, I have run off my 45 copies of my research paper and that alone weighs a few pounds, which I will still have (the weight) because we will be trading papers soon. Our instructions are to bring a fanny pack or small backpack but how is all the paperwork/binder going to fit into something that small?

Ok, now that you can see I am stressing over silly things, what are your solutions as I am open to any and all. Thanks, Pat Drussel

John again....

I know, I know, I can't stop thinking about John Adams. I listened to the book twice while walking on my treadmill right after we learned we had this opportunity to go to Boston. Then now that the seminar is getting closer I checked out the movie from the library to get another shot of John. Now it's about all I think about. Today I keep thinking how he was so adamant we become an independent nation from Great Britan and how he sacrificed his marriage and family to serve his fellowmen and his country over an ocean and 3000 miles away. When he does return from Europe, his children are grown, he is 53 years old, and John now begins another relm of his legacy.

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

Wow! I think this particular reading did more to awaken me to the religious climate of early New England than any other. I knew those early ministers felt a great responsibility to keep their flock on the straight and narrow, but Jonathan Edwards was over the top. It would have been funny if he wasn't so serious about it. "The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you and is dreadfully provoked." "You are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venemous serpent is in ours." "He will crush you under his feet without mercy; he will crush out your blood, and make it fly." I'm pretty sure that I would have a hard time with religion if he were my religious leader.

Sleeping with John Adams...

I've downloaded John Adams onto my Kindle and I take him with me to bed every night. I'm almost finished and have loved every minute of my reading. Thanks for the book selections because I would have never chosen this book of my own accord and I feel like my perspectives have changed dramatically as I have embarked on this journey. You have caused some marital discord as my husband has chaffed just a little as I have shared our bed with our founding fathers and their views. But the discussions we have engaged in have been stimulating and interesting. I can't wait to put geographical locations with the images and emotions I have in my head regarding these historical connections. Thursday can't come soon enough...

I am so impressed with John Adams. He impresses me with his courage and integrity throughout his entire life, but beginning as a young lawyer when defending the accused British soilders in the Boston Massacre. He is a great man who had much more influence with our country's beginning than I orginally realized. The more I learn the more I want to.

Message to my daughters...

Message to my daughters from John Adams and me…

I couldn’t help but smile as I came upon the tender letter John Adams wrote to his daughter, Nappy regarding her escalating relationship:

Daughter! Get you an honest man for a husband, and keep him honest. NO matter whether he is rich, provided he be independent. Regard the honor and moral character of the man more than all other circumstances. Think of no other greatness but that of the soul, no other riches but those of the heart. An honest, sensible, humane mane above all the littleness of vanity and extravagances of imagination, laboring to do good rather than e rich, to be useful rather than make a show, living in modes simplicity clearly within his means and free from debts and obligations, is really the most respectable man in society, makes himself and all about him most happy.

This is what my mother taught me and what I wish for you both!

Love,

Mom

This is a facebook posting I send to my daughters. Thanks John for helping me out on this one!

Our current errand...

Errand into the Wilderness…

It was interesting as I read the text dripping with piety as they described their “mission” to become a shining example of Christianity to the world. As their ambitions crumbled giving way to human nature, I was struck with a quote from the text…”Having failed to rivet the eyes of the world upon their city on the hill, they were left alone with America.” This reminded me of the circumstances we as a nation are facing now. Now we are left alone with America and all of the triumphs and tragedies present. We have some pretty deep political issues to solve. I believe we can look to the past for the remedy. Our strength lies within. It’s time to shoulder responsibility for our current state of affairs and quit wasting time assigning blame. The time is short and the need for great minds and quick thinking is dire. Where are the John Adams’ of our generation? Our errand is now upon us.