Friday, December 31, 2010

Founders Friday, December 31, 2010

A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.

                                  James Madison, letter to W.T. Barry, August 4, 1822


Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Wacky Wednesday, 12/29/2010, One RingyDingy

It's Wednesday, we're half way through another week, so it's time to kick back and lighten up a little.  Enjoy.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

From the Desert Fathers, Sunday, December 26, 2010

"Remember, O my soul, the terrible and frightful wonder: that your
Creator for your sake became Man, and deigned to suffer for the
sake of your salvation. His angels tremble, the Cherubim are
terrified, the Seraphim are in fear, and all the heavenly powers
ceaselessly give praise; and you, unfortunate soul, remain in
laziness. At least from this time forth arise and do not put off,
my beloved soul, holy repentence, contrition of heart and penance
for your sins."




St. Paisius Velichkovsky

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Nativity, John Donne

Immensity cloistered in thy dear womb,
Now leaves His well-belov'd imprisonment,
There He hath made Himself to His intent
Weak enough, now into the world to come;
But O, for thee, for Him, hath the inn no room?
Yet lay Him in this stall, and from the Orient,
Stars and wise men will travel to prevent
The effect of Herod's jealous general doom.
Seest thou, my soul, with thy faith's eyes, how He
Which fills all place, yet none holds Him, doth lie?
Was not His pity towards thee wondrous high,
That would have need to be pitied by thee?
Kiss Him, and with Him into Egypt go,
With His kind mother, who partakes thy woe.

John Donne

I wish all a very blessed and Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Founders Friday, December 24, 2010

As long as Property exists, it will accumulate in Individuals and Families. As long as Marriage exists, Knowledge, Property and Influence will accumulate in Families.




John Adams, letter to Thomas Jefferson, July 16, 1814

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Harold Lloyd - Help!



It's Wednesday, we've made it half way through the week, time to lighten up.  Here's an entertaining blend of old and newer.  Enjoy!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

From the Desert Fathers, Sunday, December 19, 2010

When we lay bare the hidden meaning of the history, scripture is seen to teach that the birth which distresses the tyrant is the beginning of the virtuous life. I am speaking of the kind of birth in which free will serves as the midwife, delivering the child amid great pain. For no one causes grief to his antagonist unless he exhibits in himself those marks which give proof of his victory over the other.
St. Gregory of Nyssa, The Life of Moses.