Sunrise on Winter

After snowing for an entire day and night, the weather cleared up and the sun rose on this wintery-white landscape. Storms move through quite fast, where we live, and our patience with blizzards and icy roads is usually rewarded with blue sky and resplendent beauty the next day. These pictures don't do justice to the sunshine that sparkled on the snow crystals. Though it's hard to see, there was about a foot of fresh, powdery snow. I hope you enjoy this little glimpse of Montana.

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Reformation Day 2009

Happy Reformation Day,

the 492nd anniversary of Martin Luther's nailing the 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517! May today be a day of remembering and celebrating the light that God especially revealed to the world on that day in 1517, rather than a day of revelling in the dark things of the world, the latter of which even many Christians tend to do. God has given light in darkness (in history's darkness and in our souls' darkness) and it is glorious!

"But the path of the just is as the shining light,
that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
(Proverbs 4:18)

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:
they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
upon them hath the light shined" (Isaiah 9:20).

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,
I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand:
let us therefore cast off the works of darkness,
and let us put on the armour of light"
(Romans 13:12). (HT: C.S. Hayden)

Last night we gathered with some friends from our church for a Reformation Party at Bryce and Sarah's house--an evening they intended to be a first annual event. It was a wonderful time of sharing Reformation truths and Reformation themes, and Bryce did well at compiling some quotations and giving some background on the cultural environment at the time of Luther's actions. Our group watched a clip of Luther's speech from the 2003 Luther movie and watched a slideshow that Sarah made of Reformation characters and sites. We asked several dozen trivia questions and sang hymns about the Christian faith and the Church--three of them written by Luther. We listened to the Reformation Symphony, written by Felix Mendelssohn for the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession--the founding document of the Lutheran church; the fourth movement is based on "A Mighty Fortress is our God." My mom and Sarah and some other ladies made a delicious German meal of spaetzle noodles, creamy meatballs, red cabbage, soft caraway pretzels, vegetable soup, filled German dessert crepes, and German chocolate cake.

There are so many historical accounts and rich concepts that could be shared regarding the 16th century Protestant Reformation. I feel like I am not doing it justice to just mention it in passing today, on this momentous anniversary. However, due to time constraints and the fact that many others have excellent written volumes on this subject, I will leave it as that. Following are a few resources that we have used in studying for this Reformation Day. Bryce had many other sources, but these will have to suffice for now. Studying the Reformation is a fine way of learning what the Church must reform and how it should be done. May we always be reforming back to the Word of God.

C.S. Hayden's posts for Reformation week

Pastor Serven's articles on the Reformation

History of the Reformation by D'Aubigne
A Vision Forum article on historian D'Aubigne's work

Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms--movie

Fourth movement of Reformation Symphony


Some past posts on my blog:

Soundbites from the Reformation 500 conference

One Thousand Years of truth obscured

D'Aubigne quotation on God's power

A note about Mendelssohn's birthday

Facts behind the Reformation Symphony

H. Bonar poem on the theme of church history



Resources delayed in the mail...maybe we'll use them next year:

DVDs of Reformation 500 lectures

Illustrated Reformation timeline

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Mid-September Update

~ I know my blog has been pretty silent lately, other than the addition of pictures. I've been working on other writing projects and can only focus on so many directions at a time! I do hope to post a few pictures this weekend, of our camping trip to Glacier National Park last weekend.

Other than camping and writing, my mom and I have been harvesting a variety of produce from our garden and canning some apples and pears. The yard work is dwindling somewhat, though our weather has hardly cooled down yet. This summer has been uncommonly cool, so September hasn't seemed any cooler than July and August were. We have been getting together frequently with Bryce and Sarah; this afternoon I had lunch with my sister-in-law after browsing the library together and before I went to my nannying job.

Last night, a wonderful Christian couple whom we met in Glacier, stayed with us on their way through town. It is always special to find commonality in Christ and have a good time of fellowship with people we had never met before, and who live across the country.

A few things that haven't needed attention for a while, are now getting it: I have been going to a chiropractor, and my car needs to go to the mechanic. While work like this is never convenient, I think it is better not to procrastinate! I think chiropractors really understand the basis of how the whole body functions, and would definitely recommend them far above any other kind of medical practitioner. I think the mechanic will understand far more about the locks and windows on my car than I do, as well!

I thank God for the talents that He gives to each person, and pray that I will use mine diligently and productively. I enjoy hearing of the things my friends are involved with, not only to get ideas and inspiration, but to be able to appreciate the diversity of labors that are being completed, in complement to each other, for God's service. We must be redeeming the time that He gives us, for Kingdom-oriented purposes! ~

This is a verse I have been meditating on of late: "Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant." (Psalm 35:27)

That's all for now,
~Renée

Book Promotion Contest! by Pajama School and Advent Film Group

~Have you ever made a short film?

~Would you like the opportunity to win a pass for the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival or Filmmakers Academy?

~Do you want to support homeschooling?

Well, here is a chance to be involved with all three of the fabulous things mentioned above! Miss Natalie Wickham will be awarding a free family pass to the SAICFF to the person who produces the best 30-60 second film short about her recently published book, Pajama School.

You definitely do not want to miss Natalie's book; Pajama School is a remarkable testimony to the success of homeschooling, and an intimate story into the lives, joys, struggles, and acheivements of one homeschool family. I loved reading it and entering into the things she shared. Enter this contest and you'll get the book for 50% off!

You definitely do not want to miss the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, either. This event is giving a voice --or a screen--to small filmmakers who desire to glorify God in their productions. I loved attending and being inspired by the steps being taken to Christ's Lordship over the film industry. Enter this contest and you might just get to go for free!

This book and this film festival have been some of the most encouraging things happening this year for homeschoolers. For an opportunity to reap the benefits of both, you'll want to go to learn more about the contest at Natalie's Pajama School blog. There, you'll find out how to upload your film to You Tube, when the deadline is, who the judges are, and more.

Films for Natalie and the Advent Film Group need to be produced by the end of October, and the Film Festival is in October of 2010, with the Academy taking place in the spring of 2010. I hope you take advantage of this great opportunity!

Our House in Summer

These are just a few pictures I've taken on our property this summer. The next few are the irrigation ditch and the view from the top of the hill behind our house, and then a couple pictures of our garden and landscaping.







One warm weekend (there have been few), Bryce, Sarah, Mom and I went rafting on the Madison River: it is slow, shallow, and relatively warm. Bryce and I got out and swam for much of the three miles that we floated--the perfect way to enjoy a summer Saturday!

Weekend in Idaho

In the middle of August, my mom and I went to Boise, Idaho, for a weekend to visit some dear friends whom I had once helped when they lived in Texas. I have such special memories of living with them, that any time to be in their home again is a real treat! (Above: Me, Hannah, Hayden, Kathryn, Hope, and Holly.)

...In which Holly and I stop to smell the roses:)


One day we went to the rose garden and state historical museum; the next day we walked along the river and went shopping together.

I don't have pictures of this, but on Sunday they blessed me by celebrating my birthday a day early, complete with cheesecake and candles!

Activites with Friends

After the Montana reception for Bryce and Sarah (see post below), Sarah's family and friends, and some other in-town and out-of-own guests joined us for some fun activities the next few days. On Sunday after church, everyone came to my mom's and my house for visiting. Some of us young women are on the porch, above.
The next day we went on hikes to two different waterfalls. It was special to be able to develop our relationships with Sarah's family even more than before. Also, I enjoyed spending time with all these other young ladies--we had a blast together! After our hikes, we went out for pizza in town, and then walked down the street (by then it had warmed up to a perfect summer evening) to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.



Our friends Jeannie and Cassie, who were indispensable helpers at the reception, and welcome companions to our hikes.
I was teaching Caroline how to drive my manual-transmission car.

A few days after the company left, Bryce, Sarah, my mom and I went on this hike. It's been a relatively cool summer but we have still been able to experience the outdoors a fair amount, thankfully.

Montana Reception

Five weeks after Bryce and Sarah's wedding, my mom and I hosted a reception for all our friends from Montana (and Idaho and Colorado). Sarah's family and grandparents and cousin came up from Texas to join us, as did one of the bridesmaids, Elizabeth and her sister from Kansas. There were about 160 people and we all had a grand time of setting up, celebrating with friends, and then dancing. My mom made the gorgeous, delicious cake pictured below.

To a Faithful Reader

Hello Mr. G. in California,

My mom said you read my blog every day,

so I just wanted to say good morning!,

and thank you!,

and that I'll try to post things consistently for you to see:)

Please give our greetings to your wife, as well.

Your friend,

Renée

Bryce and Sarah's Wedding -- Formals

~ Bryce and Sarah ~

~ Jefferson, Texas ~ June 27, 2009 ~

Left to right, back to front:
Philip, Casie, Abe, Elizabeth, William, Susanna,
Renée, Daniel, Bethany, David, Caroline, Christopher
...Sophia, Sarah & Bryce, Hannah.

~ Flower girl Sophia and I ~

~ L-R, Hannah, Elizabeth, Bethany, Renee, Sarah,

Susanna, Caroline, Casie, and Sophia. ~

~ L-R, Abe, Christopher, Daniel, Bryce, Philip, David, and William. ~

~ Knives and bouquets! ~

~ Our family ~

~ Sarah and her siblings, L-R Daniel, Rhyne, William,

Sophia, Susanna, and Hannah ~

~ Both families, and Sarah's grandparents ~

~ Jefferson Cumberland Presbyterian Church ~

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and cleave unto his wife."

Families are barometers of the godliness of a culture...
What you are seeing is a symbol of heaven;
What you are hearing is a message from heaven. --Pastor Greene

~ Acclamation and rejoicing! ~

~ Leaving for life together. ~

~ The parents: Laura, David & Susan ~

Reformation 500 Thoughts

One thing that impressed me through the week of the Reformation 500 was watching all of the children take part in the events. Of course, all the boys and girls loved the festivities—the songs and music, the parade, the fireworks, and the time with their friends. But even more than that, I could tell that they were very serious about learning about the Protestant Reformers and learning from the “Reformers” that were reenacting. The looks on their faces, the questions they asked, and the comments from some of the “Reformers” (see Doug’s Blog for a few of these) demonstrated that the children were not playing history or pretending to be costumed characters just for fun. They are serious about becoming, with the guidance of their parents and the inspiration of events like this, the next wise leaders—valiant men and courageous women.

The children at this event seemed to be loving and striving to be faithful to God’s covenant, and Lord willing they will be for the rest of their lives, making a great and Godly impact on our nation. It was so encouraging to see those a decade or so younger than my peers and I, who are learning to take up the torch, or the cross, whichever it may providentially be, and follow in their parents and spiritual ancestors’ steps. They are learning alongside of people in my generation and people in my mother’s generation (and even older), to hold up the Word of God as the sole standard for faith and practice, and then to follow it to the best of their understanding, by God’s grace. They learn this from the example of the Protestant Reformers in Europe and Scotland, and the Puritans of England and America.

At the same time as everyone was celebrating many things the week of July 4^th—especially children, who love celebration and enter in passionately—there was a more sober sentiment coursing through it all. While we celebrate the works of God in the past, particularly 500 years ago when God raised up a noble man, John Calvin, we also recognize that the same kind of Reformation is needed in our day. This is sobering, because we cannot just remember people and events and pass them by; we learn from them so that we can glean from their expansive wisdom and let it teach us as we strive to uphold God’s Word as the Reformers so fearlessly did in Wittenberg, Geneva, Edinburgh, Paris, Strasbourg, Amsterdam, and later in London, Plymouth, and even Boston.

While we take joy in the freedom that America has, as we did on Independence Day, we know that it is due to the reverence for God’s Word that was prevalent in the colonial era, and we know that there is little reverence among the masses today, for which reason our freedoms are rapidly diminishing. We will not be able to keep rejoicing in our liberties in future generations unless we act today to preserve them, by fearing God and keeping His precepts. This is why it is wonderful to see children that are excited about knowing and following God’s truth and about loving His works in history since they teach Christians how to act today. One generation—the present-day adults—cannot make any true changes unless the next generations are trained to continue in the same reforms. The obedience of Godly families, of virtuous boys and girls, is the first step toward instilling the fear of God back into society.

Great hope was kindled at the Reformation 500 conference as friendships were made, and as we learned about the Reformers. Many of the 16^th century reformers were just normal people—usually scholars of some kind—whom God convicted and converted. Most of them were pursuing their gifts and callings when God showed them how they could be used for His kingdom and glory. They started by obeying in the small things, taking a stand for truth in their own church or community, but probably not expecting to influence the course of entire cities, countries and civilizations. They simply wanted to obey the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Lord provided many opportunities for them to rise to great accomplishments. John Calvin helped to shape Geneva into a “school of Christ.” John Knox toppled the state-ruled church in Scotland and debated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Martin Luther challenged the Pope’s seemingly iron grasp on a religion that only the priests were allowed to study.

Great things start by obedience to God’s Word. If that much is secure, men and women will be in a position where God can use them to advance Him work, either in the spotlight, as a few of the Reformers, or by quietly fulfilling their callings in righteousness and faith. Not only was there a Martin Luther in Germany, a John Calvin in Geneva, and a John Knox in Scotland, but there were countless, nameless families that comprised all the Lutheran, Calvinistic, Presbyterian, and Reformed churches in these countries; there were Christians continent-wide that corresponded with these Reformers; and there were members of royalty that supported the reforming work with remuneration and protection.

I am so thankful that children, starting small, are building a firm foundation for obeying and fighting for God’s truth in our nation for the rest of their lives, Lord willing. It is wonderful to see a younger generation doing what is right; it gives confidence to those who are just a little older than the girls-in-bonnets and boys-with-swords, to know that what we believe in should not fade away with our parents or with us, but will live on as long as boys and girls are trained to serve God wholeheartedly! Thank you to any young boys and girls who showed such fervency and sincerity at this event—may you be the next faithful men and women of America, and continue to be a reminder your parents of the significance of obedience and reformation.

Semper Reformanda!

Reformation 500 Posts

Here are links to some friends who have been writing about the Reformation 500 Celebration:

Vision Forum's list of the week's top ten achievements.

C.S. Hayden

Serven Clan

Mountain Musings

Stinnett Family

Emily Elizabeth

I'm sure there are more that I don't know about yet!

Soundbites on Reformation

Said by the George Washington impersonator:
" 'Tis the set of the sail and not the gale, which determines the way you go."


Dr. Paul Jehle shared that:
The heart of God, mind of God, and law of God are best represented only by the doctrines of God's grace and sovereignty as understood in Calvinism.

Marshall Foster shared that:
It's one thing to say something; it's quite another to write in down in a document, and die for it.


From Doug Phillips in opening speech:
When America began to relegate the doctrines believed by our fathers, into obscurity, our liberties were diminished.

Christ gave the Great Commission; Christ preserves His Church.

To be American and ungrateful for the Reformers is like being a Hebrew without knowing about Moses and the Exodus.

Calvin's offering his heart "promptly and sincerely" to God is an example for children to honor their parents, and for parents to keep God's covenant by training their children in the Lord.


Dr. Joe Morecraft said that:
Calvin believed in republican state government and presbyterian church government. The church, state, society, and culture are to exist in harmony and order, all under God.

He quoted Calvin as saying, paraphrased, that "We must not judge God's kingdom by the present stability of things, but by His promises for its continuance."


Marshall Foster shared that:
What years of proper Christian historiography had done was to lead parents to teach their children about the providence of God.

Great terrors have struck the world, and those with divine wisdom, in covenant with God, have triumphed over these terrors!

Rome was the pinnacle of pagan culture, and the French Revolution was a repeat of the same sins of Rome. At the same time, across the Atlantic, an "antidote" to paganism was being raised up--a nation built on utmost respect for and knowledge of the Bible. The American war for independence was not to destroy justice and order, but to restore it.

If we understand history, we can learn the lessons, survive the times, and be part of God's victorious work.


Marcus Serven shared that:
John Calvin was the steady organizer of the Protestant faith.

His writing is not austere and legal sounding as many think; his love for God's truths come through genuinely in his tender letters.

Calvin studied Latin, Greek, and Hebrew during his academic training.

It was the desire of the people of Geneva that a man who is justified must also be sanctified.

The qualities that Calvin looked for in a wife were not outward beauty, but chastity, economy, and a concern for health. He found a very suitable match in Idelette.

Calvin wrote commentaries on 24 Old Testament books and 24 New Testament books.

Scott Brown shared that:
"General reformations will fall short without family reformation."

The kernel of Geneva's reformation came to America. The pilgrims and patriots came with the doctrines of the Reformers in their hearts [and in the Geneva Bible.]

Applying Sola Scriptura transforms every aspect of family life. This principle launched a whole reformation in Europe and it can certainly reform our families today.

The Reformers believed what they preached, and started by renovating their own families. The examples of their homes are as important as their sermons.

To have reformation today, we need to see a return to biblical fatherhood, early manhood, rejection of feminism, large families, modest dress, generational retention, expository preaching, clarification of the Gospel, doctrinal awareness, and family-integrated churches.


Col. John Eidsmoe shared that:
Man is totally depraved, but most concepts of government are based on the idea that man is basically good. Two-thirds of colonial Americans were from Calvinistic churches, and the understanding of man's depravity was a large influence on the system of government they chose. Because of the nature of man, they wanted checks and balances to separate the powers.

God gave boundaries to the authority of rulers, beyond which they become tyrants.

The powers delegated in the Constitution are separated vertically (federal, state, county) and horizontally (legislative, executive, judicial.)

If people don't have discipline from within, the government will step in and supply it from without.

The belief that "all men are created equal" served to minimize the distinction between clergy and laity, between the magistrate or nobility and the citizen.

The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers and the Protestant work ethic led to responsible citizens in the state and knowledgeable laymen in the church.

Boston was the first bastion of Calvinism in America, but by the mid-1800's, it was more rejected than was atheism, in Boston. [Illustrates the importance of safeguarding the strongholds of truth, and the importance of godly education passed down to the next generations.]


Dr. Joe Morecraft shared that:
We don't worship God in order to do anything else [i.e. feel good...], but simply to worship God.

The Roman church used pictures and icons to supposedly help the unlearned, but God did not reveal Himself in a picture book. He gave us a book with words. The Reformers took images out of the churches, out of corporate worship.

The Regulative principle is that what God commands is required, what He forbids is prohibited, and that what God has not commanded is forbidden. However, most evangelical churches today think the opposite of this last point.

Christians are often more concerned about how worship makes them feel, rather than how it pleases God. This is the origin of all superstitions, as carnal man is delighted with his own inventions.

Simplicity of worship does not mean infantile or disorderly, but reasonably orderly, though without empty ceremony. There should be a wedding of inward sincerity and outward faithfulness in worship.

Since Jesus came to save both body and soul, we must use both to serve Him.


Dan Ford shared that:
Spanish dominion of New World lands was furthered by the king who believed in divine right, and whose settlers were only there for the sake of gold and treasure [and the fountain of youth!].
English dominion of New World lands was furthered by minority groups of people who believed in serving God, and who settled the land with a mind toward future generations and enduring communities.


Kevin Swanson shared that:
"Our faith needs to come out from our heart through out hands."

For 200 years in schools, men have been taught not to fear God. And we are surprised when Congress does not fear God?

In the 1670's and 1680's in Boston, the bestselling sermons were on multigenerational faithfulness.

Christians keep trying to prop up flawed systems instead of realizing there are two systems--two kingdoms completely opposed to one another. Christians are working on a totally different project than non-Christians.

Money is the god of 85% of graduates--and they end up trashing relationships to get it.
We will establish relational living, mentorships, and do things differently. While the world is destroying itself, we'll build gardens in the ashes. We are following in the Puritans' footsteps. They faced the Renaissance; we are facing postmodernism.

We need to be a hopeful minority; the blood of our forefathers is precious.


Doug Phillips shared that:
Find friends you can respect because friendships change the world. The enemy uses relationships to bring great destruction, but Christian friendships have a deep love the world cannot understand, and Christian minorities, working together as comrades-in-arms, have changed the world. Disciples, mentors, and friendships multiply the effect of ideas.

John Calvin was not an isolated hero, but had a fraternity of devoted friends who all sharpened one another. He was an unfailing friend and gained many loyal friends, and wanted them around his as he died.

At the Reformation 500, we are learning many things, but the friendships formed are the most important. That is the material of reformation! Seek out likeminded people; visit them, correspond with them; do things together.

We each have talents and roles to combine in advancing God's kingdom, but Christians today are often anemic and complacent. We need to set aside small difference and talk about the big, important things.

In 500 more years, countries will have changed, but the church of God will still be communicating the truth. The church always presses on in the darkest hours. The church of God is here to pick strategic missions and fight for the things that matter. We need to repair the ruins so the sciences and arts are the domain of Christians.

We have often forsaken the hard work of our forefathers, but may we start working again, such that our grandchildren will know how hard their forefathers worked. This is an archival and prepatory generation, preparing our children to be leaders, and renewing the old stories from the past.

Every time we make a right choice, we advance God's kingdom.

God gives hope through our families, our friendships, and celebrations such as this.


Dr. Joe Morecraft shared that:
John Calvin helped us to see the power of the Gospel of God's sovereign grace, but most evangelicals don't know or love the Reformation. John Calvin gave Christians a vision for God's world conquest. This is God's plan and promise, and Christians are commanded to make the nations into Christ's disciples. John Calvin provided tools for Christian knowledge, dominion, and service. The church, when she has left these great things in the past, has grown weak.

We don't need to teach anything new, just the old truth. This is the powerful weapon to unravel humanism, and is represented by the preaching of God's Word, the prayer of God's people, and holy lives--which lives, in their humility, righteousness, and joy, are sounding boards for presenting the Gospel.

The Reformers loved truth and hated error; they were bold when duty called, and yet had gracious Christian spirits. Every good lover of something must be a hater of other things.

Read the Bible devotionally and intelligently.

~Semper Reformanda!~

~These are notes only from the lectures I was able to listen to, and the opening and closing ceremonies. To hear all of the messages, see the conference album! ~

The Reformation 500 in Boston

~The Reformation 500 Celebration conference by Vision Forum in Boston was a week of rejoicing, remembering, and rekindling friendships. From hearing historical lectures about the Protestant Reformers, to hearing speeches of challenge for reformation in our own time, it was a rich time of learning. From taking mini-tours about colonial meeting-places and Calvinist preachers with Dr. Jehle and Mr. Brown, to walking the Freedom Trail on our own, it was a grand time of exploring. From meeting with families over meals, to singing around the piano in the hotel lobby, and talking to people lingering around the vendor hall, it was a unique time of fellowship. We celebrated the Revolutionary history of Boston on July 4th, we celebrated the 500th anniversary of John Calvin's birthday, we celebrated God's works in history that led to where we stand today, and we celebrated the commonality that we had as brothers and sisters in Christ our Lord!

~Here is a sampling of pictures from our various activities:


Boston is full of beautiful churches.~
This is the Old State House.
Park Street Church.
Old State House on a different day--rainy!
Ben Franklin and the City Hall.
Boston Public Library.
From the library looking toward the John Hancock Tower.
Paul Revere and a church opposite the Old North Church.
Somewhere in Beacon Hill.
Bunker Hill Monument. Yes, we climbed the 294 steps to the top!
Friends Anna and Joy, from California and New Jersey, who were there with my mom and I.
Anna, Joy, and I at the Boston Common lagoon.
View over Boston from Bunker Hill.
George Washington in the Boston Common.
The street in front of the Park Plaza hotel.
Some of the weekend's speakers, Pastor Serven and Pastor Morecraft. (Notes from some of the lectures, coming soon...)

The Park Plaza complex at night.
Anna and I enjoying an al fresco lunch between lectures.
With some Haydens, Anna, Charmagne, and Steven before church on Sunday.
Dear Rebecca portrayed Mrs. Idelette Calvin; her sister Sarah is pictured here too, in her authentic Reformation maiden costume.
A mediocre picture of the elegant Imperial Ballroom, where the audience gathered for speeches, awards, singing, music, and Sunday worship.
The Liberty Bell replica in the foyer was rung 13 times at exactly 2 pm on Independence Day. Here, Mr. Phillips, in the lower part of the picture, has just rung it for one of the times:)
Some of the music we were treated to: fife and fiddle music from the Thomas family.
And here, Charlie Zahm's ballads accompanied by his guitar, bohdran, and Mr. Phillips' accounting of memorable times in history, that went along with each song.
"Samuel Adams" made a single appearance, and all the children clamored for his signature!
Meeting the Reformers was an activity between all of the lectures. Young men and women reenacted figures from many countries and times of reformation, and they did so quite accurately and authentically, making the listener feel as if she was really at that place and time.
"Katharina von Bora" encourages the children to stand for truth--telling the boys what a great man her husband Martin Luther is, and telling the girls how wonderful it is to show hospitality, manage her home, and raise her children.
"Princess Renée of France" told of how relatively alone she was as a Reformed Christian among her noble friends, and of what she did to advance the Reformed cause. This princess was a recipient of John Calvin's correspondence and counsel.

Above, men and women gallantly and gracefully arriving for the costume parade around the verdant Boston Common. My friend Joy and I had costumes and greatly enjoyed marching in the parade, singing hymns as we went through the park, around the lagoon, in front of many cameras:) and finally down the streets of Boston back to the Park Plaza.

I believe there were flags for each state, and maybe the countries touched by Reformation, as well. Above, the Texas flag led the way for the group of men directly behind our group of ladies.

We were thankful to find this empty plot of grass on the Esplanade to watch the fireworks from on July 4th. 500,000 other people do exactly the same thing! Even in that crowd, we were blessed to have numerous families--friends from the conference--find us and join us for the evening. Conversation was the order of the day until darkness fell and the fireworks began. The largest fireworks show in the nation was close in front of us and practically above us, as we could feel particles falling down while gazing at the incredible, powerful display!

Below, the Charles River, above which the fireworks were set off. That was a glorious ending to a fabulous conference, and probably the most patriotic Independence Day possible--a Vision Forum event in Boston! I am so thankful to have been there, with 1,000 other attendees.