One secret not so well known may be one of the most informative for such a time as this. Have you ever read an old poem, book, or document and wondered what the author had in mind, exactly? If we could only hear the writer put the emphasis where he or she meant we would go a long way in understanding the message as intended rather than wondering. One case in point appears in the Book of Acts in the New Covenant Scriptures. The apostle Paul while before king Agrippa heard him say, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." 

What we do not know is whether Agrippa was mocking Paul or sincerely telling him he was about to convert to Christianity. Was he asking a question? We do not know for sure while scholars do not agree on exactly how to interpret Agrippa's statement. 

How would you like to know more about Lincoln's most famous Gettysburg address at the cemetary for soldiers who had died during the Battle of Gettysburg? It's the last line I want to call attention to as likely the most timely portion of the speech. 

Good news! You are going to learn something you never hear. Oh, yes, we memorized it in school, perhaps and got an A for our performance. One thing we all miss is as follows. I've even tried to get the message to President Trump. I did get in touch with a person at Hilsdale College after continually hearing radio advertisement in which the sentence was quoted, but not like the following story says it. I never heard the ad again!

Out of curiosity someone decades ago did a search for someone who heard Lincoln make the speech. Upon being asked about Lincoln's tonality the person said that Lincoln stated it this way, a way we never hear. This is the final seventeen words went, "this government of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE, and for the PEOPLE." Notice what Face Book refers to as shouting, the word PEOPLE in all capital letters. This emphasis clarifies any wonder. He was emphasising PEOPLE over government. It appears that we've missed the intent today. Let's get the message out. If you want to know more, please respond in the comment section. Wouldn't it be nice to get the message to our rightful President so he could spread Lincoln's message correctly?  

Purim (February 25, 26, 2021) is a time of great celebration by Jews as they recall the Old Covenant Scriptures recorded in Esther's Book bearing her name. From the beginning of recorded history, it is obvious that women have had power over men. Mainstream news media keeps reminding us of female influence over men for good or bad. I find it interesting that one man seemed impervious to this fault in a TV series titled Gunsmoke. Marshall Dillon never fell for the temptations no matter what.

Esther, the main character in the story, was a beautiful young Jewish girl. She was chosen because of her beauty and wisdom to become queen to replace Vashti, who had just been dethroned as queen. Oddly, God is not named in the Old Covenant Book of Esther, although His positive activity in human affairs is seen throughout the small book of ten chapters. Other great stories of special women such as Deborah, Ruth, and Hannah testify that God utilizes women of high character to change the world for the better.

United State Presidents come from varied backgrounds. One of the most memorable moments came when the movie star, Ronald Reagan, became America's potential president. At first, it seemed weird that a movie star would make the right candidate. Then, shortly afterward, Paul Harvey mentions a phrase that made sense. Although not a movie buff,  I quickly saw the light. Harvey said, "It's who he surrounds himself with." After all, Reagan had been a Governor 

My recall was a Bible principle of keeping company with good people. It's something good parents stress with their children in some form or another. Curiosity continued, and perceptions changed. The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. Reagan was a conservative and "Power to the people" kind of person. For the first time, I liked his Democrat opponent as a down-to-earth person. As time passed, my choice was promoted, and I physically energized my joy when he was elected. Even one, Tip O'Neil, stated referring to his Party, "We didn't have anyone to match him."

No offense intended here. What do you think of an outsider (non-politician) who focuses on the PEOPLE? Why do I capitalize every letter in the word "PEOPLE?" Simple! The story goes that someone wanted to know President's tonality and word emphasis in the famous "Gettysburg Address. He emphasized the word, PEOPLE. Read this..." a government of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE and for the PEOPLE shall not perish." When have you ever heard that quotation stated with such emphasis? Maybe never before! 

Godly PEOPLE considers Reagan along with Lincoln as two of the best. Did you hear Trumps's Inaugural where he stated, " ...we are transferring power from Washington, DC and giving it back to you, the American People."? 

Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, and I close with happy memories on this Presidents' Day, February 15, 2021. Besides his successful presidency, the "great communicator" excelled in communication with his bride. Remember that, guys! The women like daily notes from their husbands better than yearly valentines.

Dates have always been a measure of significance in history. Some, like your birth date, is personal. Some are of national significance. This January 5, 2021, is special regarding America's future, and our posterity will forever feel the impact. America's future is in the balance. Will we cease to be "One Nation Under God" as the framers of the Constitution intended regarding freedom to exercise the God-given blessing of choice? Today is a double whammy. 

National: Senate race in Georgia. I look more profound than the most obvious signaled by a political party. Democrat and Republican are used for quick reference. Basically, I'm neither.  My search is for what is best for my faith, family, and nation. The Senate runoff will determine whether we continue as a free nation or succumb to an oppressive government. 

Personal: loss of a family member. On this day, Tara called me at about 4:30 AM to take her to the emergency room for what she thought was a kidney stone. I hurried around, not knowing this would be the last day to see her alive.  Since then, I did seven short posts. This is the eighth. The accompanying photo was discovered since my last post. Fortunately, my last words to her were, "I love you."

Why do some people search for and pay high prices for artwork? There seems to be some character that comes through that cannot be photographed. Of course, some artwork will have value because of the artist, rarity, or one-of-a-kind uniqueness. Indeed there is a place for this. Photographs often capture our interest sufficiently. One day in 1992, my attitude changed upon seeing the accompanying image. You may agree that some artists can bring out character not readily observed in mere photographs. 

This portrait in watercolor motivated wonder in what might be possible with other favorite characters. Recently you may have seen a painting or two of our President along with many political cartoons. Did you know that Rob Pruitt did nearly 3,000 paintings of President Obama, one for each day he was in the Oval Office?

Fast forward by three nearly three decades. I've wondered what would happen if Judson did just one stained glass (his specialty) painting of No. 45. This medium is much rarer and takes much longer to produce. With our President's unusual character and aversion to "political correctness," he is not deterred by advice from his own bride who has been known to question his choice of pictures depicted on his numerous book dustcovers. He chooses one which he thinks best delivers his subject mood. Hint: Successful people are quick to make up their minds and slow to change.