JOHN ADAMS

JOHN ADAMS

From a painting by John Singleton Copley, considered the "Father of American painters". My good friend, Ed Copley's, Great something's Grandfather, Ed is a great painter also, (See last post.)

Irene bought a copy of “John Adams”, written by David McCullough, and also his book on the revolutionary war..”1776”. It has been quite awhile since I have read any books and it was a really great reading of the foundation of our country.

For Christmas, Jack and Heather gave me the “Mini Series” on CD. HBO did a marvelous job bringing to life the story of John and Abigail.

I enjoyed going back in time and observing the events and people that Father in Heaven used in setting up this “Great Country” that we have been privileged to come for our sojourn on this earth.

We certainly owe a great deal to the people that were raised up for the purpose of creating a country with the religious freedoms that allowed for the restoration of the Saviors Church. As I read what these great folks went through… and the way Father inspired them to have the desire to actually pull off the separation that they did from the most powerful nation on earth. To drive the “King’s Army” out of this land and to create the only form of government that would provide the freedoms needed for Fathers purposes, was nothing short of miraculous.

The writings of these inspired people are filled with the feelings that they had that God’s “Hand” was in everything that they did in bringing about the formation of this country, and our "Constitution".

At this time of year it is particularly important that we be thankful for what our Father in Heaven and our Elder Brother Jesus have provided us…the opportunity for the path to return to our Father in Heaven as a family.

This family has been and is being “Blessed” beyond what we can even imagine.

Merry Christmas to all!

Nativity Christmas card, painted by my good buddy Ed Copley

I would say something profound here.....but..... Irene said, "Jack! You have run out of my allotted words to say today." Soooooo, I guess I'd better just leave it at that. Merry Christmas!!

(It's Christmas day soooooo....I can say more words!)

We sure had a great Christmas Eve...our annual celebration of Christmas was very nice. The kids "Nativity" program gets better each year...Well done, folks!!

Words of “WISDOM” from a one that learned his lessons the hard way!!

I grew up at a time that most people finished high school, then completed their military obligation and went to work for a company where you could get security through that company and their retirement program….or you would learn a trade. Some people went to college but generally that was just to get into a specific line of work that might interest them.

The world had progressed rather slowly even after WWII. Technologies were just being discovered and really had a limited effect on our lives. TV had just been invented and even the remote controls were “Analog”. When the channel needed changing or the picture needed adjustment my brothers or myself were the “Remote”. The only things that we understood about life is what we observed around us, saw in the movies or on some rather simple TV shows.

The world was changing, but from my "Observation Post”... it was difficult to see or comprehend. I considered that learning the centuries old method of screen printing, doing artwork for people and the trade of painting signs, would be interesting, fulfilling and allow me to provide for my family. There was no need to go further in education to help myself. After all I had a brother that quit school in the 10th grade and got into the printing trade and later even started a business that enabled him to retire at 47. That is what I could see from my "Post".

How short sighted that was to consider such a limited look at the world. By going to
college, I probably would have exposed myself to new worlds of interest and once
“Piqued”, could have found much more fulfillment in things that I didn’t know anything about. I’d might have exposed myself to different fields, more current technologies and a better life for my family and been able to provide more security for those I love.

So…to my family….my grandchildren and their families… I reiterate what the prophets have said…”GET AN EDUCATION!” The new “Vistas” that will open to you will be exciting and much more rewarding to you and also help you to provide for your families.

Look into fields that the passing of time will have the least amount of effect on. That will be difficult, because none of us has a clue of what changes will be ahead…and the world
will be changing more rapidly in the future.

I pray for each of you everyday and want only happiness for each of you and your loved ones.

OldGuy