Sunday, February 20, 2011

PInk Blooms and Presidents

We woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning. It was so pretty, 
but is all gone now. Spring is on it's way, but hasn't arrived fully yet,
even here in Southern California.
(That will teach me to brag about our sunshine, won't it?)
Still, a few pink flowers can warm up any day :-)

For my American friends...Happy Presidents Day!
Here's a short, wonderful and lesser-known story about George Washington for you :-)
(We homeschooling moms try to make everything a lesson, I guess!)

One day, during the Revolutionary War, General George Washington stepped out of his tent.  It was extremely cold, and the wind was blowing.  The demands of leading an army were weighing heavily on him, so he decided to go for a walk around the camp.  In his long coat, and with his collar turned up no one could recognize him as the commander of the Continental Army.
Washington came across a group of soldiers under the command of a corporal who was out to show he was in charge.  They were building a tall rampart of logs and the corporal kept barking orders, “Up with it!  Push harder!”  The soldiers lifted with all of their might. The log was so heavy they could not move it farther.  The corporal would shout out again, “Up with it!  Push harder!” The soldiers could not lift it more; their strength was almost gone, and the log was about to fall.
Then Washington ran up and pushed with all of his might and finally the log fell into place.  The men gave their thanks to the stranger who had been so kind,  but the corporal said nothing.
“Why didn’t you help your men with the heavy lifting?” asked Washington. 
"Why don't I?" the corporal answered, “Don’t you see?  I’m a corporal!”
“I see” said Washington. He then opened up his coat and revealed his uniform, and he said, “I am the general.  The next time you have a log too heavy for your men to lift, send for me!”

"He that will be chief among you, let him be your servant." Matt. 20:27

I hope your week is warm and sunny...inside and out.
Blessings,
Marcia

34 comments:

  1. Wait, did you say snow in SoCal?? I didn't know that was possible! We might get some snow here in the next week, everyone was sayin spring was here thanks to some milder weather we'd been having. But I said uh-uh, winter isn't done w/us yet!! ;-)
    ~michelle~

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  2. Hi Marcia,

    It is still cold here, but sometimes when the sun comes out and the birds are singing, you know that spring is just waiting around the corner.
    Have a nice day!

    Hugs from Luxembourg,

    Natacha

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  3. Here in KY we have had wonderful 60's and even mid 70's all last week making me ready for Spring.... snow is back on it's way though. I'm ok with it.

    I have heard that wonderful story before and it's nice to be reminded of it thanks for sharing it. If you are lucky enough to have today off enjoy the extra day!

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  4. Great story!

    We've been going from cold to warm back to cold - we had a beautiful weekend, but the colder weather is returning tomorrow!

    Have a great week, Marcia!

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  5. That was a great story! I've never heard it before. I still can't believe you guys get snow! It blows my mind. ;)

    Happy Monday!

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  6. Snow....what a strange winter it has been!!! We are getting another dumping of snow right now, but this is MN and we expect it. :)

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  7. That is a great story about George Washington! We really like him.

    Apparently we are due for 3-6 inches of snow tonight. After last week's balmy weather and sunshine, that seems very unkind! But we know - Spring is on it's way!

    The pink roses are beautiful - I am longing for our flowers!

    Deanna

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  8. Marcia- I LOVE that story about George Washington. I get so sick of people that refuse to do jobs that they feel are "beneath" them...and it is refreshing to know that our first President was more than just a figurehead.

    Snow? You have snow? Us too! We got over a foot of fresh snow last night- Ugh- I am tired of it!!!! Hugs- Diana

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  9. Oh I love that story!! Funny, sad and humbling :-)

    Spring....ah yes...it's on it's way isn't it. So many lovely things come with spring. Running outside, grass tickling little toes, the warm sun on our face.....lovely things.

    ~Cinnamon

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  10. Thanks for sharing that heartwarming story ... I loved it! We've had a taste of Spring here in WV but alas, according to the weatherman, we've got a bit more snow on the way (but that's ok -- it's nearly March & Spring can't be far behind;) Thanks again!

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  11. Beautiful flower Marcia and wonderful story! It snowed again here so Spring seems even more far away now. UGH! OH well, thank you for brightening my day!
    Hugs!

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  12. What a great story!

    Your pink flowers are the perfect mood lifter for a cloudy day...:)

    I hope you are having a beautiful day!

    XOXO Gloria

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  13. Wow, I have read a bunch about George Washington but I had never read that. Wow, that is a really good lesson in leadership.

    Thanks for sharing, it does my homeschooling heart glad. :)

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  14. Thank you for the story about the 'Father of our Country'. An important lesson for leaders of today: the best way to lead is by example! With Jesus as our model, we know we are here to serve.

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  15. What a wonderful story! I'll have to remember that one.
    Our weather last week was fairly warm, but it turned colder again over the weekend. But it won't be long 'til spring.
    Hope you have a good week. :)

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  16. GREAT story and a good lesson for us all. Happy President's Day to you! Mimi

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  17. Girl, I love the way you think!

    Take good care,

    Karen

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  18. I've never heard that story before, and I liked it. Thanks for sharing. Hope you're doing well and warming up ;)

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  19. Awww! We are remembering George today since one boy here shares the birthday with him :) I told the story just now to the boys and everyone enjoyed it.

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  20. Oh well,after reading I uttered a big Wow!and smiled a wide..blah blah..I love the story,it speaks humility..
    I love you with the love of the Lord!
    Channah~

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  21. Yes one of the greatest joys of home schooling these last 22 years is the education I have received. I love "Bullet-proof George Washington" and right now I am reading Abigail and John Adams...our Nation's history is amazing.

    Thanks for dropping by my blog...thanks for the encouragement in mentoring

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  22. Wow- that was a neat story, Marcia! I'll bet that corporal felt about two inches tall after that. (I know I would have!)
    Beautiful scripture, too.
    Hope you have a wonderful day!

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  23. If only more "chiefs" had that mindset these days! LOVE the lesson, Marcia!

    xo
    Becky

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  24. What a great lesson, Marcia. Thanks for sharing.
    Wishing you sunshine too.
    It's sunny here, but freeeezing cold.

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  25. Thanks for visiting, Marcia. Great lessons, though difficult...perfect for home educating, right? Have a beautiful day.
    Sending a hug from the farm~
    Kathy

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  26. Thanks for sharing the beautiful images and the story..really great! :D

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  27. Your rose is stunning..you take the best photos my friend. Hope your day has been sunny and bright...blessings.xoxox

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  28. Your pink blooms are SIMPLY beautiful! Pink roses melt my heart and we LOVE George Washington! I had never heard that story, but sounds so typical of his character. Happy President's Day to you! Wishing you lots of sunshine and bright days!

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  29. Hey Marcia,
    The pink flowers are gorgeous...I need some spring and those helped!
    We are studying George in 3rd grade as well!! We just watched a video about him leading the troops. I had never heard that story...I liked that! Thanks for sharing! We need more Georges!!!!
    Have an awesome Wednesday...
    Tanya

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  30. I definitely think you're house is at a higher elevation because it didn't snow at our house! That's a great story, too!
    Blessings,
    Janet

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  31. The pink flowers are gorgeous! I loved the story.

    Kathy

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  32. hello marcia
    you have a beautiful blog! i love this story.
    have a wonderful day
    hanlie

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  33. That is a wonderful story!
    He could have handled that in so many other ways that would not have been as effective. Wisdom....may we all get a good dose of it!

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  34. wow! that is incredible and powerful!! THANK YOU for sharing this :-)

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Thanks so much for stopping by :)
Blessings,
Marcia