The American Revolution was the start of my love of history. I remember the 200th Birthday of our nation, and now as we are on the cusp of the 250th, I wanted to jump back in and follow the story day by day….. So I started posting this on July 4th, but thought I would add it to this platform also. So here we go with July 6th!
So Thomas Jefferson and John Dickinson were at it again today. These two seem to be the official copywriters for the Continental Congress. Dickinson is actually known as the “Penman of the Revolution” for his “Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania” that were published in the late 1760’s.
Today’s post was the “Declaration on Taking Arms”….you can read here: https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/contcong_07-06-75.asp?fbclid=IwY2xjawLYB-lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFIanhEOWlKMllnZkVybDRTAR6MJP0mDxudHHeY7gGrLFjNZkTyHa6DLw8K3nk0F5EYFfnLC9vn5x8a28ktwQ_aem_fwE9tW6RuhGD6ppctf2mSg
I loved the copy I found with both Jefferson’s and Dickinson’s drafts, edits and then the final copy that was distributed. I have worked with people writing different things, and the way people come together and work to make themselves known through writing is an amazing process to me.
“….being with our [one] mind resolved to dye Free-men rather than live Slaves.”
It’s interesting to read the declaration and hear them use such strong language as “slaves.” They both actually did own slaves, and I wondered what kind of mental gymnastics had to be done to own people while actively seeking freedom?
I read a bit more about John Dickinson, since he wasn’t someone I knew right off the top of my head. He will pop up more in this story…. but for now you can actually listen to his letters here: https://librivox.org/letters-from-a-farmer-in…/
Advent.
I’ve said it a bit recently to those around me, “it’s not how you start, but how you finish.” And don’t get me wrong…. It’s easier to finish well when you get out of the blocks cleanly.
judged me prematurely, and I think there has been a bit of an impact. I am grateful though for those who have been on the other side. The one’s that have given me the chance to change, grow and mature. Those are the ones that didn’t write me off, but gave me the time, love and encouragement to fulfill the potential they saw and hoped to see bloom.
So day 2 is always hard. I always wonder, what will I write about now? I also feel behind the eight ball because I am tired. Taking care of someone can be tiring. Part of it is physical, but it’s also a mental tired. Since I tend to overthink things, I am sure that is a lot of it! There is a spiritual aspect to it too. The word “spiritual” makes it sound very serious, but it really hasn’t felt that way.
The neurologist gave us an idea to fastrack the whole thing. So he called a doctor at the local emergency room to get us in. My hubby was so excited, we would go to the ER and they would transfer us to a larger hospital. It would be there that they would see the big mass in his head and they may even do surgery this weekend. Isn’t it great? There was not one tear, one moment of hesitation or fear. We looked at each other shook our heads with smiles on our faces.
Where you choose to look, has such an impact on your life. Yesterday, I did not write. I was not up as early as I needed to be, and by the time I got home I was tired. I think I got a little down, and so I got up this morning with purpose to do this morning differently. But… My first thoughts seemed to be all centered around me, (crazy huh?) so I knew I needed to widen my focus.
So this morning, it is time to put on a different lens. I really think I need one with a much wider angle. One that will let me see what’s in the background. The people, activity and the good that He is doing all around me.
You know, sometimes this writing part of my life is not easy! I try to come up with something interesting, or thought provoking, not preachy and above all not too opinionated. I try to frame what I write as my experience, and hope it either encourages or at least gives someone a different perspective.
phone call I got last night. I am typically the one who is messaging or talking to someone to encourage them, but last night the call was for me. Someone wanted to ask how I was, and check up on me and the family. I appreciated it so much! And at the end she prayed for me, and it was cool because it showed growth in her faith.
Why these two topics together? Well, I guess it’s because I hear much more ”opinion” than encouragement. And since I am like most people, I tend to think we are all looking for more encouragement, love, kindness and lack of judgment than we are looking for another opinion. So today be mindful of the words you say. Be a shoulder to lean on, cry on or just be a good listener. Leave your opinions behind, and see how you can be an encouragement to someone today.
Anyway, as I sat there, in the tiniest seat ever, (ugh) I was struck by a lyric from the song Rhiannon. “Dreams unwind, loves a state of mind.” I am sure I’ve heard that sung a thousand times before, but tonight it kept rolling around in my head. “Dreams unwind, loves a state of mind.” The more I thought about it, the more true I knew it was. 
wanted to ask the question! God knows us, and so does His Son. Jesus knew Nicodemus deepest, darkest, subconscious thoughts, dreams, stress and heart’s desire. He knows mine too.
What’s going on in your life today? Do you really need an answer to that question, situation or stress? Look back! Remember, reboot and refocus. You might be surprised at what answers you may find!
Cheryl Mendoza 