(II Thessaolonians 2:1-12) "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by sword, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
Anyone who pays attention to current events in the world knows that we're living in a world of turmoil. Just take a look at the tragic events that have occurred since January 1st. On January 8th, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) was shot and wounded along with several other people that Saturday in the Tucson Massacre. In late January there were major riotings that took place in Egypt which eventually forced the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. There have also been riots in Tunisia and Libya. As of this moment, U.S. forces are in a military campaign striking missiles on Moammar Gadhafi's compound. There's major unrest in the Middle East. There are also other problems in the world as well such as the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The last couple of years have produced several major earthquakes around the world. There is political unrest in our own country. Last month there were protests in Madison, Wisconsin over Governor Scott Walker's plan to ask Wisconsin federal workers to contribute more to their pensions and healthcare costs dues to a budget shortfall. This world is full of problems. In America, the total national debt is greater than the overall U.S. economy. There are a few states that are on the verge of bankruptcy such as California, Illinois, and New York. Many countries in Europe are almost bankrupt such as Greece, Portugal, and Spain. This world is in turmoil.
In Matthew 24, Jesus told his disciples what would be the signs of His coming. Jesus said there would be many that would claim to be Christ and deceive many. He also said there would be wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, nations rising against nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms (Matthew 24:1-7). Jesus said there would be those that would hate God's people and persecute them. He said iniquity would abound and the love of many shall wax cold. Jesus said in verse 11 false prophets would arise and deceive many. We find many false prophets in our land today proclaiming a false gospel. Jesus said the gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come. We are witnessing these signs today. Christ's coming is imminent. The online definition of imminent means about to occur, pending. One thing you can mark down on your calendar: Jesus is coming! He could come before this evening is over with. Just as the sun rises every morning and the sun sets in the evening, Jesus is coming and its imminent. There's no escaping this appointment. The whole world will know when he comes. There will be the sound of a trumpet which will proclaim that he's come back. He will set up his kingdom in the Mount of Olives and rule and reign for a thousand years in the dispensation of the Millennial Reign.
I want to briefly point out that when I make mention of the Lord's coming, I'm making reference to his Second Coming. Since I believe in the doctrine of the pretributional rapture, I believe God's going to rapture out his children from this world before seven years of Great Tribulation takes place (I Thessalonians 4:15-18). Following the rapture of the church, there will be seven years of Great Tribulation where the antichrist shall be in charge of this world for those seven years (II Thessalonians 2:7-9). Following the seven years of the tribulation period, Christ will return to this world for the second time to establish His kingdom during the Millennial Reign.
There have been many predictions over the centuries trying to pinpoint when Christ will return. I have some news for you: Matthew 24:36 says no man knoweth the day nor hour when the son of man appeareth. Back in 1988 someone wrote a book entitled, "88 Reasons Why Jesus Will Come in 88". This man had predicted Jesus would come in September of 1988. As of yet Christ hasn't returned. One thing I can guarantee you is anytime someone makes a prediction of a certain date of Christ's appearing, you can be assured Christ won't come on that date. Jesus said only the Father in Heaven knows the exact date of his appearing. We must get ready for that special day. We should always be ready for Christ's appearing. Christ may come at any moment. Even though we can't predict the day nor hour when Christ shall come, we can know the season. When we take a look at the events that are taking place around the world, such as the unrest taking place in the Middle East, Christ's appearing is at hand. Every time we read the newspaper, we read about the nation of Israel. Israel is always in danger of being attacked by her enemies, such as Gaza. As I speak, rockets fired from Gaza hit deep inside Israel. There was a bus bombed and an ancient Jewish cemetery desecrated. Israel is usually blamed by the United Nations for any violence that takes place in the Palestinian territories or whenever Israel tries to build settlements. The U.N. always condemns Israel when they build settlements. The U.N. and the U.S. is always trying to handcuff Israel from defending itself against the Arab World. The modern nation of Israel was reborn in May 1948. Israel is almost 63 years old in the modern era. Eschatological events revolve around Israel. God's about ready to pour out His judgment upon this world.
We live in an hour where there are all sorts of false gospels being preached. We have false teachers that teach false doctrines concerning the subject of salvation. Some teach that you can be saved by being dunked in a pool of water, others such as the Catholic Church teach that a man can be saved by performing good works. There are some in the fundmental ranks that teach a person can be saved without repentance. All they have to do is to repeat a prayer and just believe with your mind that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. As a result of the multiplicity of false doctrines being propagated into our land, there is mass confusion concerning spiritual things. Many people are deceived concerning the truths of God's word. The truth of the matter is there's only one way to salvation and that's through faith and repentance in the shed blood of Jesus Christ upon Calvary's cross. The Bible declares in Matthew 24 that false teachers would arise and there are a multitude of false teachers in this world. I venture to say there's many more false teachers than true men of God that preach the unadulterated gospel of the Word of God. Let no man deceive you. Jesus is coming. His coming is imminent. It's sure to occur as the sun rises and sets every day in certain parts of our world. As far as I'm concerned, there's no prophecy yet to be fulfilled prior to the rapture of the church. There is scripture yet to be fulfilled when it comes to the Great Tribulation. However, I don't know of any scripture that needs to be fulfilled prior to the rapture of the church. Isaiah 66:7-8, which speaks of the rebirth of Israel, took place in 1948. Nevertheless, all the signs regarding the condition of the last days is already taking place.
Jesus is coming back. He's coming back very soon. There are critics who will say "I've heard that Jesus is coming back all my life and he still hasn't returned." That may be true, but Christ's coming is closer today than it was when the Apostle Paul was living. If you read the New Testament or read church history, every generation of God's people was expecting Jesus to come back in their lifetime. Paul and the early apostles were looking for the appearing of Jesus during the early church. Great men of God such as Charles Haddon Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Billy Sunday, Dr. Percy Ray, Dr. Oliver B. Greene, and Dr. Harold B. Sightler were looking for the Lord to return before they died. All the men of God that are presently living are looking for Jesus' return in their lifetime. All those who are saved are looking for Jesus appearing in their lifetime. I do believe according to what I've read in the book of Daniel concerning knowledge being greatly increased in the last days that we're closer to Christ's coming today than ever before (Daniel 12:4). Even though we don't know the day nor hour, we must understand that Christ is coming back. Luke 12:40 says that we're to be ready for the Son of Man will return in an hour when least expected. We're to always be ready for his appearing. What does it mean to be ready? It means that our relationship is to be current with the Lord and we are busy serving him. We are to live exemplary lives before the world. We ought to live in such a manner when Christ comes that we won't be ashamed of his coming. We should live holy lives unto Christ. Those that truly belive in their heart that Christ could come today will live a life that's pleasing to him. Those that don't believe Christ will come back anytime soon will live carnal lives. The fact that many of God's people live such carnal lives bears witness to the fact that we don't believe Christ is coming soon. If we truly believe Jesus is coming soon, then we'll walk in truth and follow Him.
Jesus is coming back! There's no question about it. Christ's coming is as certain as the sun rises and sets. You can't escape or ignore this momentous event. The question is are we ready for HIS coming?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher Dies at Age of 85
Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher Dies at Age of 85 - FoxNews.com
Then Secretary of State Warren Christopher in 1995
(Fox News.com March 19, 2011) Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher under former president Bill Clinton, died late Friday at his Los Angeles home from complications of bladder and kidney cancer. Christopher was a key figure in peace efforts in Bosnia in the Mideast as the Secretary of State during the Bill Clinton administration. He was Secretary of State during Clinton's first term from the years 1993-97. Following his stint as Secretary of State, Christopher was also a senior partner at the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers.
A longtime Californian, Christopher headed a panel that pushed a number of Los Angeles Police Department reforms following the 1992 riots. A loyal Democrat and meticulous lawyer, Christopher supervised the contested Florida recount for Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election.
He told the Associated Press that his proudest accomplishments were a role in promoting a ban on nuclear weapons tests and extension of curbs on proliferation of weapons technology. He also tirelessly tried to promote peace in the Middle East, traveling to the region a number of times. Christopher made two dozen trips to Syria in a futile effort to promote a settlement with Israel.
As a successful Los Angeles lawyer, Christopher had a seven-figure income, and a beach house in fashionable Santa Barbara. He is survived by his wife Marie and four children in two marriages: Lynn, Scott, Thomas, and Kristen.
Then Secretary of State Warren Christopher in 1995(Fox News.com March 19, 2011) Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher under former president Bill Clinton, died late Friday at his Los Angeles home from complications of bladder and kidney cancer. Christopher was a key figure in peace efforts in Bosnia in the Mideast as the Secretary of State during the Bill Clinton administration. He was Secretary of State during Clinton's first term from the years 1993-97. Following his stint as Secretary of State, Christopher was also a senior partner at the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers.
A longtime Californian, Christopher headed a panel that pushed a number of Los Angeles Police Department reforms following the 1992 riots. A loyal Democrat and meticulous lawyer, Christopher supervised the contested Florida recount for Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election.
He told the Associated Press that his proudest accomplishments were a role in promoting a ban on nuclear weapons tests and extension of curbs on proliferation of weapons technology. He also tirelessly tried to promote peace in the Middle East, traveling to the region a number of times. Christopher made two dozen trips to Syria in a futile effort to promote a settlement with Israel.
As a successful Los Angeles lawyer, Christopher had a seven-figure income, and a beach house in fashionable Santa Barbara. He is survived by his wife Marie and four children in two marriages: Lynn, Scott, Thomas, and Kristen.
U.S. Launches Airstrikes on Libya
Obama Announces U.S. Airstrikes on 'Tyrant' Qaddafi's Military - FoxNews.com
Moammar Gadhafi
(USA Today March 21, 2011) A two-day U.S. and allied air assault on Libya has inflicted heavy damage on leader Moammar Gadhafi's ability to fire missiles or attack rebels, according to Pentagon officials and reports from rebel strongholds. In Benghazi, the major rebel stronghold, residents fired weapons in jubilation Sunday and climbed on the burned-out shells of tanks destroyed by the airstrikes. They were celebrating the allied attacks, which came after Gadhafi's forces pounded the city with artillery and tank shells and entered the outskirts.
Air attacks over the weekend hit tanks, rocket launchers, radar and communications facilities of forces loyal to the Libyan strongman, Navy Vice Adm. William Gortney, staff director for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a Pentagon briefing Sunday. There were 124 Tomahawk missiles launched from ships and submarines on the first day of the attack. They limited Gadhafi's abiliy to shoot down allied planes with surface-to-air missiles. A three-story administration building in Gadhafi's residential compound was blasted by a cruise missile late Sunday, according to the Associated Press. It was not known whether there were casualties. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the U.S. expects to turn over control of the Libya military mission to a coalition headed either by the French and British or by NATO, "in a matter of days." "We will continue to support the coalition....but we will not have the pre-eminent role," Gates said.
Gortney said further strikes on the scale of Saturday's heavy assault with sea-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles may not be needed. Allied forces supposedly are not targeting Gadhafi, but Gadhafi could be in danger if he visits targeted military facilities, Gortney said. B-2 radar-evading stealth bombers, flown from an Air Force base in Missouri, destroyed several shelters that had housed Libyan warplanes at Ghaldabiya airport, according to Gortney. U.S. French and British warplanes attacked Libyan ground forces that were threatening Benghazi. Gortney said that attacks on military facilities near Tripoli, the capital, have damaged radar facilities and that sensors are detecting no Libyan radar tracking of aircraft.
The last thing we need is for the United States to become involved in another war. How long will these airstrikes last? I have no idea. We haven't fought both Afghanistan and Iraq very successfully. Why is the U.S. launching attacks on Libya? There's speculation that it's about oil. Gadhafi is a brutal dicator, however, we can't launch attacks on every country that has a dictator. As far as I'm concerned, there are no U.S. interests involved in this attack. This just goes to show you that Obama isn't involved in the decision-making. Who's in charge and who's involved in making the decision for the U.S. to strike Libya?
Moammar Gadhafi(USA Today March 21, 2011) A two-day U.S. and allied air assault on Libya has inflicted heavy damage on leader Moammar Gadhafi's ability to fire missiles or attack rebels, according to Pentagon officials and reports from rebel strongholds. In Benghazi, the major rebel stronghold, residents fired weapons in jubilation Sunday and climbed on the burned-out shells of tanks destroyed by the airstrikes. They were celebrating the allied attacks, which came after Gadhafi's forces pounded the city with artillery and tank shells and entered the outskirts.
Air attacks over the weekend hit tanks, rocket launchers, radar and communications facilities of forces loyal to the Libyan strongman, Navy Vice Adm. William Gortney, staff director for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a Pentagon briefing Sunday. There were 124 Tomahawk missiles launched from ships and submarines on the first day of the attack. They limited Gadhafi's abiliy to shoot down allied planes with surface-to-air missiles. A three-story administration building in Gadhafi's residential compound was blasted by a cruise missile late Sunday, according to the Associated Press. It was not known whether there were casualties. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the U.S. expects to turn over control of the Libya military mission to a coalition headed either by the French and British or by NATO, "in a matter of days." "We will continue to support the coalition....but we will not have the pre-eminent role," Gates said.
Gortney said further strikes on the scale of Saturday's heavy assault with sea-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles may not be needed. Allied forces supposedly are not targeting Gadhafi, but Gadhafi could be in danger if he visits targeted military facilities, Gortney said. B-2 radar-evading stealth bombers, flown from an Air Force base in Missouri, destroyed several shelters that had housed Libyan warplanes at Ghaldabiya airport, according to Gortney. U.S. French and British warplanes attacked Libyan ground forces that were threatening Benghazi. Gortney said that attacks on military facilities near Tripoli, the capital, have damaged radar facilities and that sensors are detecting no Libyan radar tracking of aircraft.
The last thing we need is for the United States to become involved in another war. How long will these airstrikes last? I have no idea. We haven't fought both Afghanistan and Iraq very successfully. Why is the U.S. launching attacks on Libya? There's speculation that it's about oil. Gadhafi is a brutal dicator, however, we can't launch attacks on every country that has a dictator. As far as I'm concerned, there are no U.S. interests involved in this attack. This just goes to show you that Obama isn't involved in the decision-making. Who's in charge and who's involved in making the decision for the U.S. to strike Libya?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Appreciation (Part 2)
(I Thessalonians 5:18) "In Every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." When I started this series on January 2nd, I intended to devote a few Sundays straight in writing about this subject and be done with it. As it turned out it hasn't happened yet. I've been sidetracked since that time. On Saturday January 8th, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot by Jared Loughner in Tucson during the "Congress at Your Corner" event. I had a thought the next day to write about the murder of elected officials, which is unjustifiable. God says that "Vengeance is mine." (Romans 12:19) Since that time I was behind in writing other posts and as a result I haven't devoted any time to this series. I'm going to resume this series today. I will probably won't continue this series the next few Sundays straight. I may write another post on this subject next Sunday. Until I have all my thoughts together on this timely subject, I won't be submitting posts. I know I will write at least three posts on this series which include "Appreciating the American Heritage", "Appreciating the Church", and "A Proper Respect for Material Goods". I may include other posts if other thoughts on this subject come to mind. As I've just mentioned earlier, I highly doubt I will be writing posts on this subject the next few Sundays straight. I will submit posts whenever I have my thoughts together to write these posts. How long this series will be I have no idea. As I've just stated earlier, I will submit three posts on this series.
In concluding the introduction to this series, I want to mention it's very important that God's people learn to be thankful. There are numerous scriptures that tell us to praise God for his goodness in our lives. As mentioned in the last post on January 2nd, America has experienced unprecedented prosperity since World War II. We live in the most prosperous generation ever in the history of this country. We've been spoiled and we've taken much for granted. The problem with this generation, esp. some who are on welfare, is they have adopted this entitlement mentality. We have this mentality that we're somehow entitled for the blessings that we enjoy. That's why there's so much envy for the rich in this country. Many lower class Americans tend to be envious of rich people. I do understand there are some evil, pathetic, cut-throat rich people. We saw the evil side of rich people during the 2008 mortgage meltdown with the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fiasco. However, all rich people didn't inherit their wealth. Not all rich people dishonestly earned their money. Consequently, there are some people that believe they're entitled to be wealthy or own houses, cars, etc. Some people view riches as a birthright. That's far from the truth.
I believe in the concept of equal opportunity. I'm for anyone becoming rich as long as they are willing to honestly labor for it. There's nothing sinful about being wealthy. I Timothy 6:10 says that the love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself. If a person wants to be wealthy, they have that opportunity to labor for it. The entitlement mentality that many people possess has ruined our nation's character. As a result of that mentality, we don't have appreciation nor respect for what we've been entrusted with. That's what's dangerous about parents pampering their children. Their children will grow up thinking they deserve everything that's given to them. As a result, they will turn out to be slothful bums who are nothing but a menace to society. I have no problems with parents giving their children gifts, but they need to instill in their children that all blessings come from God and we're not blessed because we deserve it. We're blessed in spite of ourselves. That should humble us. I'm glad God's goodness is not based on my merit. If God's goodness in my life was based upon my own merits, God would never be good to me. We don't deserve God's goodness and grace. God gave his son into this world to die for the sins of mankind. Jesus didn't die for the sins of mankind because we deserve it. He died for the sins of mankind because HE loved us. It was in spite of us. Parents that teach children that they're entitled to all the nice things in life are destroying their children. We must learn who we are and recognize God's blessings upon us are in spite of us. It's a result of his love toward us. I don't want to take that for granted. We need to learn to be appreciative before American goes into meltdown mode. There's coming a day that God's going to judge this world and all the gold and silver of this world will fade away. Don't take things for granted. There will come a day when we wish we were more thankful. That won't be good. We need to give thanks now.
In concluding the introduction to this series, I want to mention it's very important that God's people learn to be thankful. There are numerous scriptures that tell us to praise God for his goodness in our lives. As mentioned in the last post on January 2nd, America has experienced unprecedented prosperity since World War II. We live in the most prosperous generation ever in the history of this country. We've been spoiled and we've taken much for granted. The problem with this generation, esp. some who are on welfare, is they have adopted this entitlement mentality. We have this mentality that we're somehow entitled for the blessings that we enjoy. That's why there's so much envy for the rich in this country. Many lower class Americans tend to be envious of rich people. I do understand there are some evil, pathetic, cut-throat rich people. We saw the evil side of rich people during the 2008 mortgage meltdown with the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fiasco. However, all rich people didn't inherit their wealth. Not all rich people dishonestly earned their money. Consequently, there are some people that believe they're entitled to be wealthy or own houses, cars, etc. Some people view riches as a birthright. That's far from the truth.
I believe in the concept of equal opportunity. I'm for anyone becoming rich as long as they are willing to honestly labor for it. There's nothing sinful about being wealthy. I Timothy 6:10 says that the love of money is the root of all evil, not money itself. If a person wants to be wealthy, they have that opportunity to labor for it. The entitlement mentality that many people possess has ruined our nation's character. As a result of that mentality, we don't have appreciation nor respect for what we've been entrusted with. That's what's dangerous about parents pampering their children. Their children will grow up thinking they deserve everything that's given to them. As a result, they will turn out to be slothful bums who are nothing but a menace to society. I have no problems with parents giving their children gifts, but they need to instill in their children that all blessings come from God and we're not blessed because we deserve it. We're blessed in spite of ourselves. That should humble us. I'm glad God's goodness is not based on my merit. If God's goodness in my life was based upon my own merits, God would never be good to me. We don't deserve God's goodness and grace. God gave his son into this world to die for the sins of mankind. Jesus didn't die for the sins of mankind because we deserve it. He died for the sins of mankind because HE loved us. It was in spite of us. Parents that teach children that they're entitled to all the nice things in life are destroying their children. We must learn who we are and recognize God's blessings upon us are in spite of us. It's a result of his love toward us. I don't want to take that for granted. We need to learn to be appreciative before American goes into meltdown mode. There's coming a day that God's going to judge this world and all the gold and silver of this world will fade away. Don't take things for granted. There will come a day when we wish we were more thankful. That won't be good. We need to give thanks now.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
"The Elite Speak" & "China Owns the United States"/ Chaplain Lindsey Williams
The Elite Speak
China Owns the United States (Part 1)
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
China Owns the United States (Part 1)
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Friday, March 18, 2011
Rebecca Biddle
Women of the American Revolution: Rebecca Biddle
(American Revolution.org) The husband of Rebecca Biddle, Colonel Clement Biddle, was among the first of those to take an active part on the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, resolved to sacrifice everything in the cause. Both he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends, and as a consequence of his taking up arms he was "read out of the meeting" by that peace loving community; while Mrs. Biddle, as ardent a patriot expressing her approval of the war and encouraging her husband in his course--was subject to similar discipline.
Rebecca Biddle gave up the comforts of home to join the army with her husband, and was with the camp during the greater part of the war. She formed a last friendship with Mrs. Greene and Mrs. Knox, who were also in the army. When the American army was encamped near the Brandywine, Mrs. Biddle was informed by an aid of Washington that a large British foraging party was within distance of a few miles; that orders had been issued for a party to start before day for the purpose of cutting off their retreat, and that, as an engagement might be expected, the women were ordered to leave the camp. Mrs. Biddle, who didn't include herself in the order, told General Washington, when an opportunity of addressing him occurred, that as the officers would return hungry and fatigued from the expedition, she would, if allowed to stay, make provision for their refreshments. He assured her she might remain in safety, but that she should hold herself in readiness to remove at a moment's warning, promising, in the event of any disaster, to send her timely information. She immediately dispatched her servant through the neighborhood to collect provisions; and all the food cooked in the camp that day was procured by her.
The enemy, informed by spies of a movement against them, made a hasty retreat. At a late hour the fatiguing troops returned after a fatiguing march. Mrs. Biddle had the pleasure of giving the dinner she had provided to at least one hundred officers, each remarking as they entered, "Madam, we hear that you feed the army to-day", which she did till not a crust remained. Among her guests on that occassion was the gallant LaFayette, who on his last visit paid his respects to her in Philadelphia. Mrs. Biddle was a gracious hostess who played her role in feeding the troops during the American Revolutionary War. She had a special attachment to General Washington and his family. It continued throughout her life. During their residence in Philadelphia, she and Colonel Biddle were always honored guests at the Washington's table. She survived her husband several years after he had passed away. She lived around seventy years. She loved to dwell on the signal display of the hand of Providence in the contest with the mother country. Whenever allusion was made to the Revolutionary War, it was a source of new delight to her children to hear her "fight her battles o'er again."
(American Revolution.org) The husband of Rebecca Biddle, Colonel Clement Biddle, was among the first of those to take an active part on the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, resolved to sacrifice everything in the cause. Both he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends, and as a consequence of his taking up arms he was "read out of the meeting" by that peace loving community; while Mrs. Biddle, as ardent a patriot expressing her approval of the war and encouraging her husband in his course--was subject to similar discipline.
Rebecca Biddle gave up the comforts of home to join the army with her husband, and was with the camp during the greater part of the war. She formed a last friendship with Mrs. Greene and Mrs. Knox, who were also in the army. When the American army was encamped near the Brandywine, Mrs. Biddle was informed by an aid of Washington that a large British foraging party was within distance of a few miles; that orders had been issued for a party to start before day for the purpose of cutting off their retreat, and that, as an engagement might be expected, the women were ordered to leave the camp. Mrs. Biddle, who didn't include herself in the order, told General Washington, when an opportunity of addressing him occurred, that as the officers would return hungry and fatigued from the expedition, she would, if allowed to stay, make provision for their refreshments. He assured her she might remain in safety, but that she should hold herself in readiness to remove at a moment's warning, promising, in the event of any disaster, to send her timely information. She immediately dispatched her servant through the neighborhood to collect provisions; and all the food cooked in the camp that day was procured by her.
The enemy, informed by spies of a movement against them, made a hasty retreat. At a late hour the fatiguing troops returned after a fatiguing march. Mrs. Biddle had the pleasure of giving the dinner she had provided to at least one hundred officers, each remarking as they entered, "Madam, we hear that you feed the army to-day", which she did till not a crust remained. Among her guests on that occassion was the gallant LaFayette, who on his last visit paid his respects to her in Philadelphia. Mrs. Biddle was a gracious hostess who played her role in feeding the troops during the American Revolutionary War. She had a special attachment to General Washington and his family. It continued throughout her life. During their residence in Philadelphia, she and Colonel Biddle were always honored guests at the Washington's table. She survived her husband several years after he had passed away. She lived around seventy years. She loved to dwell on the signal display of the hand of Providence in the contest with the mother country. Whenever allusion was made to the Revolutionary War, it was a source of new delight to her children to hear her "fight her battles o'er again."
USA TODAY/Gallup Poll Says More Americans Concerned Over Safety of Nuclear Energy
(USA Today March 17, 2011) A new poll shows American support for nuclear energy declining as the nuclear emergency situation in Japan grows more ominous. The USA TODAY/Gallup Poll found 70% of respondents said they have more concern about the safety of nuclear energy since Japan's nuclear crisis began in the aftermath of the 9.0 earthquake last Friday. A plurality of Americans now oppose building more nuclear plants, which is a significant change since from the 57% that supported nuclear energy when Gallup asked a similar question less than two weeks ago.
U.S. officials displayed growing concern over the crisis, which began when a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan's northeast coast Friday and knocked out the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant's ability to operate and maintain its spent fuel storage. The State Department warned Americans in Japan to stay 50 miles from the power plant, more than twice the 20-mile danger zone designated by Japanese officials, because of rising radiation. "We believe radiation levels are extremely high" inside the plant, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko told a House subcommittee Wednesday. He said it appeared no water was left in the spent fuel pond of one of the plant's reactors. Hajime Motojuku, a spokesman for Tokyo Electric Power, called conditions stable. The power company said its workers were completing a new power line to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex in a desperate attempt to restart systems designed to cool volatile radioactive fuel. A Japanese military Chinook helicopter yesterday dropped seawater onto one of the hot reactors.
In an unprecedented address to Japan, Emperor Akihito expressed condolences and urged Japan not to give up in the face of what he called an "unpredictable" crisis. "It is important that each of us shares the difficult days that lie ahead," said Akihito, 77, a revered figure. "I pray that we will take care of each other and overcome this tragedy." Without coolant, the spent fuel could continue heating unchecked, ultimately leading to a meltdown, experts feared. Another concern: Outer shells of the fuel rods could ignite with enough force to spew the radioactive material widely. Seeking to calm domestic conerns, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said at a House hearing that Americans "should have full confidence" in the safety of 104 nuclear reactors in the United States.
Given the devastating impact of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I can understand why Americans are skeptical of building more nuclear power plants. I have been a proponent of using nuclear energy to fuel power plants myself. I'm not a scientist nor do I know much about nuclear energy. However, it's important that nuclear plants that are built be constructed in such a manner as to withstand the greatest magnitude of earthquakes. There have been some scientists that argue that nuclear power plants shouldn't be built on fault lines. I heard a scientist on the Alan Colmes radio talk show Monday evening who was opposed to building nuclear power plants in areas that are earthquake prone. As of right now I don't have a particular position concerning building nuclear power plants in earthquake prone areas. I may have a position on this subject in a few weeks once we learn more about the details concerning Japan's earthquake. As of right now, I'm not sure we know how dangerous the situation is in Japan. It could be worse than what we're being told. One thing I don't know is how harmful the radiation released into the air could be to civilians once released into the air. Only time will tell.
U.S. officials displayed growing concern over the crisis, which began when a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan's northeast coast Friday and knocked out the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant's ability to operate and maintain its spent fuel storage. The State Department warned Americans in Japan to stay 50 miles from the power plant, more than twice the 20-mile danger zone designated by Japanese officials, because of rising radiation. "We believe radiation levels are extremely high" inside the plant, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko told a House subcommittee Wednesday. He said it appeared no water was left in the spent fuel pond of one of the plant's reactors. Hajime Motojuku, a spokesman for Tokyo Electric Power, called conditions stable. The power company said its workers were completing a new power line to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex in a desperate attempt to restart systems designed to cool volatile radioactive fuel. A Japanese military Chinook helicopter yesterday dropped seawater onto one of the hot reactors.
In an unprecedented address to Japan, Emperor Akihito expressed condolences and urged Japan not to give up in the face of what he called an "unpredictable" crisis. "It is important that each of us shares the difficult days that lie ahead," said Akihito, 77, a revered figure. "I pray that we will take care of each other and overcome this tragedy." Without coolant, the spent fuel could continue heating unchecked, ultimately leading to a meltdown, experts feared. Another concern: Outer shells of the fuel rods could ignite with enough force to spew the radioactive material widely. Seeking to calm domestic conerns, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said at a House hearing that Americans "should have full confidence" in the safety of 104 nuclear reactors in the United States.
Given the devastating impact of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I can understand why Americans are skeptical of building more nuclear power plants. I have been a proponent of using nuclear energy to fuel power plants myself. I'm not a scientist nor do I know much about nuclear energy. However, it's important that nuclear plants that are built be constructed in such a manner as to withstand the greatest magnitude of earthquakes. There have been some scientists that argue that nuclear power plants shouldn't be built on fault lines. I heard a scientist on the Alan Colmes radio talk show Monday evening who was opposed to building nuclear power plants in areas that are earthquake prone. As of right now I don't have a particular position concerning building nuclear power plants in earthquake prone areas. I may have a position on this subject in a few weeks once we learn more about the details concerning Japan's earthquake. As of right now, I'm not sure we know how dangerous the situation is in Japan. It could be worse than what we're being told. One thing I don't know is how harmful the radiation released into the air could be to civilians once released into the air. Only time will tell.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
In Times Like These....The Just Shall Live by Faith (Part 2)
(Philippians 3:20) "For our conversation is in Heaven; from whence we also look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ."
On February 28, 2011, I wrote a post entitled, "In Times Like These....The Just Shall Live by Faith." I was mentioning that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen as Hebrews 1 declares. The Bible declares in Hebrews 10:38 that the just shall live by faith. Regardless what age you're living in, you must live by faith if you're a child of God. Anybody that pays attention to the news knows we're living in tumultuous times. Troubles are on every hand. We have wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, etc. taking place. Last Friday Japan experienced a 8.9 magnitude earthquake, which is the fifth worst earthquake ever experienced since recordkeeping began in the late 1800's. There have been riotings taking place in the Middle East such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya. As time progresses, riotings will become more commonplace in the Middle East. We're witnessing riotings in America on a lesser scale with the protests that took place in Madison, Wisconsin over pension and healthcare benefits for public sector workers. We live in an age where if people are dissatisfied they are going to protest to have their way, regardless of whom is affected by it.
When it comes to the subject of faith, some people in this modern age of Christianity view faith in terms of what the Charismatic movement has preached. Many Americans who view Christian television think of faith in terms of believing God for divine healing or material prosperity. I don't belittle the fact that God is a God of divine healing and that God supplies all our needs. However, faith isn't limited to faith healing. Faith is trusting God with our lives. Faith is trusting that God will do the impossible. Faith is trusting God when you can't see it happening with the visible eye. A Christian whose faith is directed toward the Lord recognizes that God is not regulated by the world's system. Right now, the world's economy is in shambles. Several countries, including America are on the verge of bankruptcy. Many states in America such as California, Illinois, and New York, are on the verge of bankruptcy. Even though the economy isn't in good shape, God's economy isn't limited. The Bible in Psalsm 50:10 that he owns the cattle on a thousand hills. That means God's economy isn't limited. God can provide regardless of the situation. Read about Elijah and the widow woman in I Kings 17. She only had one handful of meal and a little cruse of oil. Elijah had a word from the Lord and told her to make a cake for whatever little handful of meal she had left. She did what the prophet told her and the barrel of meal wasted not neither did the cruse of oil (I Kings 17:16). God provided when it seemingly was impossible. There hadn't been any rain any Zarephath for a long time. However, God wasn't regulated by the circumstances in that land. The widow woman trusted God and did what Elijah told her to do. God blessed her for it.
When I read Philippians 3:20 the other week, something jumped out at me. I recognized that you can link that verse with Hebrews 10:38 that says the just shall live by faith. How? Think about some of the great men of faith in past centuries. Think about some of the great Christians who have lived in past years whose faith stood tall. Think about those in the Bible who were full of faith such as Abraham, Moses, Paul, Steven, etc. Consider those that were martyred for the sake of the gospel. Anybody who's read church history or who's read "Foxe's Book of Martyrs" probably has read about Polycarp. Polycarp was a 2nd century bishop in Smyrna, which was the church that was small and persecuted. It was a church that loved God and followed him. He died a martyr. He was bound and burned at the stake. He was later stabbed when the fire failed to touch him. On the day of his death Polycarp is recorded as saying, "Eighty and six years I have served him," "How then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour? Bring Forth what thou wilt." Polycarp was burned at the stake for refusing to burn incense to the Emperor. He would not blaspheme God. How could a man have such extraordinary faith? Why would a man be willing to be burned at the stake for his faith? It was because his conversation was in Heaven. His mind was on eternity. It wasn't on this life. That's how he could prove himself faithful even unto death.
Every Christian man and every Christian woman throughout the ages whose faith was unwavering was due to the fact that their conversation was on Heavenly things. Their mindset was on eternity. They knew this life was temporal. They knew that eternal bliss is only found in Heaven. They were striving for the mastery. They didn't allow the things of this world to sidetrack them. No Christian man or woman can have faith as strong as that of the Apostle Paul or any martyr, for example, unless their conversation is centered on Heavenly things. The very purpose for the proclamation of the Great Commission before the whole world is simply because there's a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun. One of the reasons why many Christians are losing sight of the importance of the Great Commission is because their conversation isn't centered on Heavenly things. Their focus isn't on things above. You can't be mission minded if you don't understand this world is just temporal. Eternity is where our focus must be. We've lost sight of that in this generation of Christianity. Day after day our thoughts are always centered from making it day to day. We've hung our harps upon the willows and our minds are centered on this present life. We think about things that influence us personally such as inflation (high gas, food prices, etc..), corruption in government, our families, raising our children, making preparations to send our children to college, and contemporary affairs, etc. We allow carnal things to flood our minds on a continual basis. No wonder why we're so down in the doldrums. You can't live in victory and allow yourself to be bombarded by the pressures of this world.
I'm not insinuating that we shouldn't pay any attention to the affairs of the world. There was an old adage that said that a person that's heavenly minded is no earthly good. That is true if we have the mentality of Seventh Day Adventists and sit in a rocking chair waiting for Jesus to come. We'll be no earthly good in that sense. However, God has not called us to withdraw from the world. We're to have an influence in this world. We're to be an influence for the cause of Christ. We're not to be isolated from the world. We're to be insulated in the sense we're not to allow our minds to be polluted with the filth of this world. However, we're to reach out to others with the gospel and be a living testimony that Jesus lives. There's a place for the world's affairs. But we must recognize we're not going to reform the world. We're not going to create a utopia in this world. I'm all about Christians involving themselves in government. However, we must recognize this world won't last forever. This world is corrupt and is ripe for the appearance of the antichrist and the Great Tribulation. This world will never be perfect and sinless until the Prince of Peace comes back to this world in His Second Coming. When Jesus rules and reigns during the Millennial, then life will be at bliss. Not until then.
No Christian can live by faith unless their thought life is centered on eternal things. Living for Jesus is all about eternal things. We're here for a season to warn the world of the wrath to come. This present world isn't what life is all about. There's an old song which says "The Best is Yet to Come." There will come a day when Jesus will come for his bride. The dead in Christ shall rise first and those that are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds (I Thessalonians 4:17). There will come a day when our faith will become sight. Until then, the just is to live by faith believing and trusting in Christ. That won't happen unless our hearts and minds have a proper understanding of eternity. The hope that's within us is what keeps us going. We can live by faith because we know a better day is ahead. It's because of that we can rejoice and thank God the day will come when faith will become sight. We'll see Jesus face to face and we'll know that everything we experienced in this life was worth it all. In closing, I'll repeat a sign-off a preacher uses everytime he closes his broadcast on radio: Keep looking up, Jesus may come tonight.
On February 28, 2011, I wrote a post entitled, "In Times Like These....The Just Shall Live by Faith." I was mentioning that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen as Hebrews 1 declares. The Bible declares in Hebrews 10:38 that the just shall live by faith. Regardless what age you're living in, you must live by faith if you're a child of God. Anybody that pays attention to the news knows we're living in tumultuous times. Troubles are on every hand. We have wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, etc. taking place. Last Friday Japan experienced a 8.9 magnitude earthquake, which is the fifth worst earthquake ever experienced since recordkeeping began in the late 1800's. There have been riotings taking place in the Middle East such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya. As time progresses, riotings will become more commonplace in the Middle East. We're witnessing riotings in America on a lesser scale with the protests that took place in Madison, Wisconsin over pension and healthcare benefits for public sector workers. We live in an age where if people are dissatisfied they are going to protest to have their way, regardless of whom is affected by it.
When it comes to the subject of faith, some people in this modern age of Christianity view faith in terms of what the Charismatic movement has preached. Many Americans who view Christian television think of faith in terms of believing God for divine healing or material prosperity. I don't belittle the fact that God is a God of divine healing and that God supplies all our needs. However, faith isn't limited to faith healing. Faith is trusting God with our lives. Faith is trusting that God will do the impossible. Faith is trusting God when you can't see it happening with the visible eye. A Christian whose faith is directed toward the Lord recognizes that God is not regulated by the world's system. Right now, the world's economy is in shambles. Several countries, including America are on the verge of bankruptcy. Many states in America such as California, Illinois, and New York, are on the verge of bankruptcy. Even though the economy isn't in good shape, God's economy isn't limited. The Bible in Psalsm 50:10 that he owns the cattle on a thousand hills. That means God's economy isn't limited. God can provide regardless of the situation. Read about Elijah and the widow woman in I Kings 17. She only had one handful of meal and a little cruse of oil. Elijah had a word from the Lord and told her to make a cake for whatever little handful of meal she had left. She did what the prophet told her and the barrel of meal wasted not neither did the cruse of oil (I Kings 17:16). God provided when it seemingly was impossible. There hadn't been any rain any Zarephath for a long time. However, God wasn't regulated by the circumstances in that land. The widow woman trusted God and did what Elijah told her to do. God blessed her for it.
When I read Philippians 3:20 the other week, something jumped out at me. I recognized that you can link that verse with Hebrews 10:38 that says the just shall live by faith. How? Think about some of the great men of faith in past centuries. Think about some of the great Christians who have lived in past years whose faith stood tall. Think about those in the Bible who were full of faith such as Abraham, Moses, Paul, Steven, etc. Consider those that were martyred for the sake of the gospel. Anybody who's read church history or who's read "Foxe's Book of Martyrs" probably has read about Polycarp. Polycarp was a 2nd century bishop in Smyrna, which was the church that was small and persecuted. It was a church that loved God and followed him. He died a martyr. He was bound and burned at the stake. He was later stabbed when the fire failed to touch him. On the day of his death Polycarp is recorded as saying, "Eighty and six years I have served him," "How then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour? Bring Forth what thou wilt." Polycarp was burned at the stake for refusing to burn incense to the Emperor. He would not blaspheme God. How could a man have such extraordinary faith? Why would a man be willing to be burned at the stake for his faith? It was because his conversation was in Heaven. His mind was on eternity. It wasn't on this life. That's how he could prove himself faithful even unto death.
Every Christian man and every Christian woman throughout the ages whose faith was unwavering was due to the fact that their conversation was on Heavenly things. Their mindset was on eternity. They knew this life was temporal. They knew that eternal bliss is only found in Heaven. They were striving for the mastery. They didn't allow the things of this world to sidetrack them. No Christian man or woman can have faith as strong as that of the Apostle Paul or any martyr, for example, unless their conversation is centered on Heavenly things. The very purpose for the proclamation of the Great Commission before the whole world is simply because there's a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun. One of the reasons why many Christians are losing sight of the importance of the Great Commission is because their conversation isn't centered on Heavenly things. Their focus isn't on things above. You can't be mission minded if you don't understand this world is just temporal. Eternity is where our focus must be. We've lost sight of that in this generation of Christianity. Day after day our thoughts are always centered from making it day to day. We've hung our harps upon the willows and our minds are centered on this present life. We think about things that influence us personally such as inflation (high gas, food prices, etc..), corruption in government, our families, raising our children, making preparations to send our children to college, and contemporary affairs, etc. We allow carnal things to flood our minds on a continual basis. No wonder why we're so down in the doldrums. You can't live in victory and allow yourself to be bombarded by the pressures of this world.
I'm not insinuating that we shouldn't pay any attention to the affairs of the world. There was an old adage that said that a person that's heavenly minded is no earthly good. That is true if we have the mentality of Seventh Day Adventists and sit in a rocking chair waiting for Jesus to come. We'll be no earthly good in that sense. However, God has not called us to withdraw from the world. We're to have an influence in this world. We're to be an influence for the cause of Christ. We're not to be isolated from the world. We're to be insulated in the sense we're not to allow our minds to be polluted with the filth of this world. However, we're to reach out to others with the gospel and be a living testimony that Jesus lives. There's a place for the world's affairs. But we must recognize we're not going to reform the world. We're not going to create a utopia in this world. I'm all about Christians involving themselves in government. However, we must recognize this world won't last forever. This world is corrupt and is ripe for the appearance of the antichrist and the Great Tribulation. This world will never be perfect and sinless until the Prince of Peace comes back to this world in His Second Coming. When Jesus rules and reigns during the Millennial, then life will be at bliss. Not until then.
No Christian can live by faith unless their thought life is centered on eternal things. Living for Jesus is all about eternal things. We're here for a season to warn the world of the wrath to come. This present world isn't what life is all about. There's an old song which says "The Best is Yet to Come." There will come a day when Jesus will come for his bride. The dead in Christ shall rise first and those that are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds (I Thessalonians 4:17). There will come a day when our faith will become sight. Until then, the just is to live by faith believing and trusting in Christ. That won't happen unless our hearts and minds have a proper understanding of eternity. The hope that's within us is what keeps us going. We can live by faith because we know a better day is ahead. It's because of that we can rejoice and thank God the day will come when faith will become sight. We'll see Jesus face to face and we'll know that everything we experienced in this life was worth it all. In closing, I'll repeat a sign-off a preacher uses everytime he closes his broadcast on radio: Keep looking up, Jesus may come tonight.
Susannah Elliott
Women of the American Revolution - Susannah Elliott
Click on the above link "Women of the American Revolution" to learn about Susannah Elliott. She was a native of South Carolina and the daughter of Benjamin Smith. Left young and orphan and a heiress, Susannah was reared by her aunt Rebecca Motte, with whom she lived until she married. It was said that Susannah Elliot was "one of the most busy among the Revolution women, and always active among the soldiers. She was the wife of Colonel Bernard Elliot. It was known that her husband raised and maintained a regiment at his own expense. Among the papers in the possession of the family is a letter from General Greene to Mrs. Elliot, expressive of high respect and regard, offering her a safe escort through the camp, and to any part of the country to which she might desire to travel.
Mrs. Elliot employed herself constantly in useful domestic occupations; and was remarkable for industry and economy of time. She superintended the manufacture of the wool and the cotton worn by her slaves, to whom she was the most kind and indulgent; and made salt on her plantation during the war. Some of the stockings knit by her are still extant, which still have the date, 1776, knit in the threads.
Click on the above link "Women of the American Revolution" to learn about Susannah Elliott. She was a native of South Carolina and the daughter of Benjamin Smith. Left young and orphan and a heiress, Susannah was reared by her aunt Rebecca Motte, with whom she lived until she married. It was said that Susannah Elliot was "one of the most busy among the Revolution women, and always active among the soldiers. She was the wife of Colonel Bernard Elliot. It was known that her husband raised and maintained a regiment at his own expense. Among the papers in the possession of the family is a letter from General Greene to Mrs. Elliot, expressive of high respect and regard, offering her a safe escort through the camp, and to any part of the country to which she might desire to travel.
Mrs. Elliot employed herself constantly in useful domestic occupations; and was remarkable for industry and economy of time. She superintended the manufacture of the wool and the cotton worn by her slaves, to whom she was the most kind and indulgent; and made salt on her plantation during the war. Some of the stockings knit by her are still extant, which still have the date, 1776, knit in the threads.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Abigail Adams
Women of the American Revolution - Abigail Adams
Abigail Smith Adams was born on November 11, 1744 in Weymouth to Elizabeth Quincy Smith and Rev. Williams Smith, pastor of Weymouth's First Church. Like most girls of her time, Abigail didn't receive a formal education, but took time to study her father's library, studying the Bible, history, philosophy, essays, and poetry. Abigail's mother and grandmother Quincy taught her social graces, as well as homemaking and handiwork skills. Such a background helped make her a keen political observer, prolific writer, and influential First Lady.
On October 25, 1764, Abigail married John Adams, a Harvard graduate pursuing a law career. Their marriage was one of mind and heart, producing three sons and two daughters. Their marriage lasted for more than half a century. They first lived on a farm in Braintree and later in Boston. Long separations kept them apart, when John traveled as a circuit lawyer, and later when John served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, envoy abroad, and elected officer. Abigail alone struggled with wartime shortages, lack of income, and difficult living conditions. She had to run the household, farm, and the education of her children. Abigail would write letters to John. Many of her letters were published. Her grandson, Charles Francis Adams, published most of the letters that she wrote from 1741 to 1776.
Abigail also had a notable influence on her husband's career. She went with him on journeys in Europe. She would give him advice and would give him advice at times by writing to him when she was not with him.
Abigail Adams died on October 28, 1818. She is buried next to her husband in the United First Parish Church. She is remembered for many things. She is known as the Second Lady of the United States due to John Adams being the second president of the United States. She was also the mother of the sixth president of the United States, John Quincy Adams. She also helped people think about "women's rights" and "women's roles" in society. She believed women weren't treated as well as men were. There's more to the story of Abigail Adams on the link above.
Abigail Smith Adams was born on November 11, 1744 in Weymouth to Elizabeth Quincy Smith and Rev. Williams Smith, pastor of Weymouth's First Church. Like most girls of her time, Abigail didn't receive a formal education, but took time to study her father's library, studying the Bible, history, philosophy, essays, and poetry. Abigail's mother and grandmother Quincy taught her social graces, as well as homemaking and handiwork skills. Such a background helped make her a keen political observer, prolific writer, and influential First Lady.
On October 25, 1764, Abigail married John Adams, a Harvard graduate pursuing a law career. Their marriage was one of mind and heart, producing three sons and two daughters. Their marriage lasted for more than half a century. They first lived on a farm in Braintree and later in Boston. Long separations kept them apart, when John traveled as a circuit lawyer, and later when John served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, envoy abroad, and elected officer. Abigail alone struggled with wartime shortages, lack of income, and difficult living conditions. She had to run the household, farm, and the education of her children. Abigail would write letters to John. Many of her letters were published. Her grandson, Charles Francis Adams, published most of the letters that she wrote from 1741 to 1776.
Abigail also had a notable influence on her husband's career. She went with him on journeys in Europe. She would give him advice and would give him advice at times by writing to him when she was not with him.
Abigail Adams died on October 28, 1818. She is buried next to her husband in the United First Parish Church. She is remembered for many things. She is known as the Second Lady of the United States due to John Adams being the second president of the United States. She was also the mother of the sixth president of the United States, John Quincy Adams. She also helped people think about "women's rights" and "women's roles" in society. She believed women weren't treated as well as men were. There's more to the story of Abigail Adams on the link above.
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