Max Reger

Johann Baptist Joseph Maximilian Reger was born on March 19th, 1873, in Brand, Balvaria. He was a German composer, conductor, pianist, organist and academic teacher. Among Reger’s students were Joseph Haas, Sándor Jemnitz, Jaroslav Kvapil, Ruben Liljefors, George Szell and Cristòfor Taltabull. In 1907, Reger worked in Leipzig as a Music Director of the Paulinerkirche University until 1908, and he was Professor of Composition at the Conservatory. In 1915, he moved to Jena, traveling once a week to teach in Leipzig; however, during one of those trips in May of 1916, he died of a heart attack at the age of 43.There wasn’t any information mentioned about being married yet Max Reger was the cousin of Hans von Koessler another German composer.

Franz Joseph Hydn

Franz Joseph Haydn was born in Rohrau, Austria on March 31, 1732. His parents were Mathias and Maria Haydn. His compositional media is orchestra, chamber music, keyboard, choral and opera. Joseph Haydn was the brother of Michael Haydn who was a highly regarded composer and the brother of Johann Evangelist Haydn, a tenor. He was also a friend of Mozart and a teacher of Beethoven. Haydn married Maria Anna Keller, they had no children. The Classical period occurred between the Baroque and the Romantic periods, and Joseph was one of the known composers during the Classical period. Franz Joseph Haydn breathed his last on May 31, 1809, in Vienna, Austria. He was 77 years old.

Allegro Giocoso means lively and humorous.

Memorial Day

                                                             Happy Memorial Day!

This is a day set aside to honor those that have fallen in their service for our country. I would like to thank those that have given their lives and who are serving as they each made sacrifices for our country. My grandfather was one who had been in the Korean War and I thank him for his commitment and sacrifices. 

America The Beautiful - Annie Karto

Today's The Day

Provided below are links to listen and see three different renditions of Battle Hymn Of The Republic.
Also, the two links below describe how background information on the writing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Enjoy having a patriotic moment.
The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Constantly Abiding

Arranged by Ken Burns

The Irish Tenors

Battle Hymn of the Republic' (Steffe-Howe)

Von Trapp & Andrews

Maria Von Trapp with Julie Andrews

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6j376yOlm4

This was rather funny and I thought some would enjoy it.

Below is a continuation of the part above, it had some very interesting information.

A letter by Sullivan Ballou in 1861

Askokan Farewell by Jay Ungar

A letter by Sullivan Ballou

Below is the complete letter that Sullivan Ballou wrote to his wife Sarah.

July the 14th, 1861

Washington D.C.

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing—perfectly willing—to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the brightest day and in the darkest night—amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours—always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

!!!!Happy New Year!!!!

2014

A New Year's Plea

Lord, let me stand in the thick of the fight,
Let me bear what I must without whining;
Grant me the wisdom to do what is right,
Though a thousand false beacons are shining.

Let me be true as the steel of a blade,
Make me bigger than skillful or clever;
Teach me to cling to my best, unafraid,
And harken to false gospels, never.

Let me be brave when the burden is great,
Faithful when wounded by sorrow;
Teach me, when troubled, with patience to wait
The better and brighter to-morrow.

Spare me from hatred and envy and shame,
Open my eyes to life's beauty;
Let not the glitter of fortune or fame
Blind me to what is my duty.

Let me be true to myself to the end,
Let me stand to my task without whining;
Let me be right as a man, as a friend,
Though a thousand false beacons are shining.

                                                                        Edgar Albert Guest

With my Lord, may I reflect His light, ways, living by His word faithfully in all I do, say, think and be.  And He answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.  Luke 10:27                                                                                                                               

Happy New Year's Eve

Dear Friends,

The closing of this year is much like all the others, but yet this year is different. I was pleased to accomplish beyond what I expected, yet some of my plans were not achieved this year. I will have the chance to draft up another list of goals and plans for 2014.

Here are a few fun facts about this blog.

• This is the 180th post on this blog.
• I have 25 wonderful followers!!
• I have had this blog for almost 3 years. 
• I started it on Saturday, February 5, 2011.

What are some of your resolutions for next year? Do you do anything special for New Year's Eve?

Below are some of the pictures of our home decorated for Christmas. Since this is the last day of 2013, it will be good to reflect God's goodness in my family's life and mine. This is the day the Lord has made and let us rejoice and be glad in it. May the Lord be glorified through our lives.

Happy New Year's Eve,
Maria

February, July, and August

Ever wonder why February has less days than the other months?
Well, I'll explain.

Julius Caesar named the month, July after himself and there are 31 days in the month. Augustus Caesar named the month, August after himself and this month contains 31 days. However, Julius was striving for some kind of power by giving himself the same number of days as Augustus's month. He didn't want less number of days, so he opted for the same number of days in the month. Julius took a day from February, and he reassigned it to his month leaving February with one less day and the only month with the least number of days in it.

Another fun fact is that we have other months named after people.
January was named for Janus. He was the keeper of the doorways in the Roman times.
February was from a Roman word meaning "Festival".
March was named after Mars. The Roman god of war.
April means "to open" probably because buds opened in April.
May was named after Maia, the mother of Mercury.
June was named after Juno, the queen of the gods in Roman mythology.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this little bit of history.

Happy Reformation Day!!!

This was taken only two weeks ago, more to come!!!

On This Day

The Civil War ended on April 9th, 1865. This is the day that Robert E. Lee surrendered his troops to Ulysses Grant at the Appomattox Court House, located in Virginia. However, fighting continued until May 9th, 1865, since it took awhile for all the fighting troops to be contacted about the ending of the war.

On April 15, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

I had a feeling that something important happened today, than asked my mom if it had anything to do with the Civil War. I thought that it was a fun fact to share.



Appomattox Court House back then.

Appomattox Court House now, I don't know how recent.

1/13/13

New Year's Eve

Do any of you have a tradition that you do for New Year's Eve?

The last day of 2012. Wow!!!!!!!!!

11/30/12

Today is the last day of November and tomorrow will be December. Wow!

It seems just like yesterday was Christmas. It is kind of hard to believe that Christmas is almost here.

Below are some pictures that I took last year.

 

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

 

Happy Reformation Day

Happy Reformation everyone! What will you all do today?

Happy Independence Day

Please enjoy the following posts.

***Genie Makinster***

God Grant Us Wisdom

Oh, for the widsom to build a world
Where man may find delight,
Not in the strength of martial power,
But in the quest for truth and right.
We would not ask that the way be cleared
And smoothed for our eager feet;
But, rather, freedom from groundless fear,
So our problems we may meet.
Yes, ours is a prayer for freedom, for strength,
And for opportunity
In a world not only of toil and tears,
But of love and liberty.
                                 -Genie Makinster

From Last Year’s 4th of July post

Quotes from the Founding Fathers, others, and including Patrick Henry's well known speech.

"The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God."
_{--Adams wrote this on June 28, 1813, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson.}

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever."
_{--Adams wrote this in a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776.}

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Thomas Jefferson

John Hancock
1st signer of the Declaration of Independence

"Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. ... Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us."
_{--History of the United States of America, Vol. II, p. 229.}

"The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but the God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people. Trust in Him at all times, ye people, pour out your hearts before him; God is a refuge for us.

 

"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

"From the day of the Declaration...they (the American people) were bound by the laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of The Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledge as the rules of their conduct."

Samuel Chase

"By our form of government, the Christian religion is the established religion; and all sects and denominations of Christians are placed upon the same equal footing, and are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty."

The Speech by Patrick Henry

No, one, Mr President, thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as the abilities, of the very honorable gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining, as I do,opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I should speak forth my sentiments freely, and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less then a question of freedom or slavery. And in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, thought fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards the majesties of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of a wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of these who,having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but be the past. And, judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry, for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir, it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation, -the last arguments to which kings resort.

I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if it's purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy in this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forgoing.

And what have we oppose to them? Shall we try argument?Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing, we have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty, and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted?

Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have supplicated; we have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned with contempt from the foot of the throne.

In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free; if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending; if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest be obtained, -we must fight! I repeat it, sir, -we must fight! Appeal to arms, and to the God of hosts, is all that is left us.

They tell us, sir, that we weak, -unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strenght by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of Hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people armed in the holy cause we possess, are invincible be any force which our enemy can send against us.

Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone: it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged. Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston. The war is inevitable. And let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry peace, peace, but there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field. Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is like so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

These quotes and this speech ring true for us to pay attention too!

4th of July Sayings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poems and Sayings for the 4th of July.

One Flag, One Land, One Heart, One Hand,
One Nation Evermore!
                -Oliver Wendell Holmes

Our Flag

It speaks in steadfast color:
The red, the white, the blue;
It tells us what to honor:
The brave, the pure, the true.

It graces its staff with beauty,
Enlivens the languid air;
It drapes our country's heroes
And wafts a graveside prayer.

It guards our home of worship
And crowns our courts and schools,
Proclaming the law of liberty,
The heart of freedom's rules.

We stand at grave attention
To salute our nation's pride,
Our flag of cherished history
For which dear sons have died.
                           -Bessie H. Hartling


Our Flag Forever

Stand behind the flag,
Wherever it might be,
For it flies as a symbol
Representing you and me.

Down through all the ages
Of peace or bitter strife,
The tricolered badge of America
Has reigned over death and life.

Let it always instill courage,
Upholding freedom's dream;
And when the world dismays,
Let it shine a guiding beam.

May America be blessed,
As from the days gone by;
May her people stand with pride
And the flag forever fly.
                            -Evelyn Steen Taylor

A Poem for Father's

My siblings and I recited this poem to my Papa on a Father's Day.

A Tribute
by Sherry Kuyt

If I know that God is loving,
That the best of gifts He gives;
If I know about His judgment
And how freely He forgives;
If I know He's always with me,
That He's faithful,wise, and true;
If I know God's like a father,
It's because, Dad, I know you.