Terry Dashner…………Faith Fellowship Church PO Box 1586 Broken Arrow, OK 74013

His name was Samuel Adams. And he was a fiery soul. His daddy knew beer, but Samuel had no taste for it—the business end of it. Samuel held a masters degree in liberal arts from Harvard. He was no dummy, but brewery business was not his cup of tea (or mug of beer). He failed in business, but he excelled in politics—to each man his call.

He was defiant toward British colonial rule and never passed up an opportunity to express his disdain for British Parliament. Listen to words of this brave man and founding father as he spoke to a large crowd that had gathered on steps of Philadelphia Statehouse on August 1st 1776. The words he delivered came one day before signing of Declaration of Independence. Declared Adams, “We have explored temple of royalty and found that idol we have bowed down to has eyes which see not, ears that hear not our prayers, and a heart like nether millstone.” He give his closing remarks by saying, “We have this day restored Sovereign, to whom alone all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven and with a propitious eye beholds his subjects assuming that freedom of thought and dignity of self-direction which he bestowed upon them. From rising to setting sun, may His kingdom come.”

Wow! That’s bold speech. Keep in mind it was directed against British monarchy. Did he mean what he said or was he merely bucking for political gain? History tells us that he meant every word. Why? Because to speak this type of rhetoric merely in jest was certain death. Adams, as well as other founding fathers, spoke knowing full well consequences—not censor but death. But to them speaking revolutionary rhetoric against England for freedom’s sake was worth risk.

His name is Natan Sharansky. His book is entitled, The Case for Democracy: The Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror (Public Affairs 2004). He is a former Soviet dissident who has devoted his life to cause of freedom and democracy. Sharansky spent nine years in a Soviet prison during Cold War and was awarded Congressional Gold Medal for his courageous struggle against tyranny behind Iron Curtain. Since fall of Soviet Union, Sharansky has been an author, human rights activist, and a politician in Israel, serving in numerous positions including deputy prime minister.

February Traditional Gem(s): Amethyst, Onyx Modern Gem(s): Amethyst The folklore attached to he amethyst associates it with sobriety, tranquility, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit.

March Traditional Gem(s): Bloodstone Modern Gem(s): Aquamarine The aquamarine has been linked to making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea.

April Traditional Gem(s): Diamond Modern Gem(s): Diamond One of most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are linked to love, eternity, and strength.

May Traditional Gem(s): Emerald, Chrysoprase Modern Gem(s): Emerald The emerald was once linked to health and curing of ailments, as well as being associated with ability to see in to future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation.