November 2005 Archives

At the Phillips home, this year’s Thanksgiving was a three-day celebration of praise, rejoicing, prayers, and family traditions including Pilgrim quizzes, Bible memorization contests, the reading of Bradford’s Plymouth Plantation, the playing of glorious home-spun music, the waging of war with various board games of global domination and strategy, extremely (I emphasize extremely) vigorous wrestling matches, boar spear competitions, rope climbing games, decorative arts, and, of course, feasting. There were twenty-two around the table for Thanksgiving Day proper and over a hundred the following Saturday. In the above image, faithful pilgrim daughters Jubilee and Faith pause for their daddy’s incessant picture taking.

Our practice during the meal is to give those at the table opportunity to share a providence of God, a poem of praise, or a testimony of thanksgiving, and (British Parliamentary style) to share our approval with hearty verbal affirmation and pounding of the table with our fists. Here, beloved friend Geoff Botkin (a man without whom there would have been no League of Grateful Sons film this year) offers words of spiritual encouragement and a few poems for the pilgrims present at the table.

A special blessing of this Thanksgiving was to have three experienced harpists (and a few harpists in training) present to bless us with a rich repertoire of beautiful music from psalms of praise to Flamenco-like Spanish compositions. In the above picture, Liberty sits with friend Lourdes who is about to play an eleventh-century Scottish march.

Anna Sophia and Elizabeth blessed the home with glorious harp duets.

Under the careful instruction of our accomplished coach Andrei Samoradov, nine of us have been pursuing skills at fencing. On Thanksgiving day, the épées were drawn and maneuvers were demonstrated for those in attendance at the celebration. One of our beloved friends and co-laborers is Vision Forum intern Philip Bradrick (right) who shares a few basic moves with friend David.

A highlight of the day was the annual boar spear throwing competition for our young men. This particular spear is capable of taking down a 400-pound hog. The goal is to throw the spear such that it sticks into the side of a tree. Throwing the heavy spear accurately is no small task. In the above picture, older brother Chance Winberry demonstrates the right procedure to his younger brother.

Do not trifle with a man with a spear in his hands.

Isaac (recently arrived from the land of the Kiwis) demonstrates a warrior’s form — no doubt learned from the Maori’s of New Zealand.

Out-of focus, but an example of the boar spear when airborne.

Some of our young ladies took a whack at it as well...

...and demonstrated great promise.

In 2003, the Lord was kind to extend to me the blessing of acquiring from an antiquarian dealer a collection of about seventy-five carefully preserved letters drafted between the years 1908 and 1911. The collection tracks the courtship of a young man writing to his intended bride (Agnes). Also included in the set were a few letters to his mother. The collection especially interested me because the author of the letters was an attorney who lived on the same general street area in Boston where my grandparents and father would one day live. The letters are long and full of fascinating information about life ninety-five-plus years ago. Some of our ladies gathered to read the letters dating to Thanksgiving time in 1908-1910.

The conquest of civilization as we know it is serious business for these young men.

Our local congregation has been studying the Book of James. As part of the study, we are memorizing the entire book. Last weekend and on this Thanksgiving celebration I offered a silver dollar to each person who memorized two chapters. I was so delighted to see the number of faithful sons and daughters who had accomplished the task. Once properly memorized, the Word of God will impact a man throughout the course of his life, and will not easily be forgotten. Here, Jubilee and I listen to one of the young ladies recite James.

Here, four young men plot strategy on how to take down 170-pound Philip in a five-minute, four-on-one wrestling match of boys vs. brawn.... Brawn won.

Thank God for our dear pilgrim mothers of vision.

Thank God also for the big girls who take the time to tell stories to the little girls.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 28, 2005 | Permalink

It may be I am getting old and like too much to dwell
Upon the days of bygone years, the days I loved so well;
But thinking of them now I wish somehow that I could know
A simple old Thanksgiving Day, like those of long ago,
When all the family gathered round a table richly spread,
With little Jamie at the foot and grandpa at the head,
The youngest of us all to greet the oldest with a smile,
With mother running in and out and laughing all the while. It may be I’m old-fashioned, but it seems to me to-day
We’re too much bent on having fun to take the time to pray;
Each little family grows up with fashions of its own;
It lives within a world itself and wants to be alone.
It has its special pleasures, its circle, too, of friends;
There are no get-together days; each one his journey wends,
Pursuing what he likes the best in his particular way,
Letting the others do the same upon Thanksgiving Day. I like the olden way the best, when relatives were glad
To meet the way they used to do when I was but a lad;
The old home was a rendezvous for all our kith and kin,
And whether living far or near they all came trooping in
With shouts of “Hello, daddy!” as they fairly stormed the place
And made a rush for mother, who would stop to wipe her face
Upon her gingham apron before she kissed them all,
Hugging them proudly to her breast, the grownups and the small. Then laughter rang throughout the home, and, Oh, the jokes they told;
From Boston, Frank brought new ones, but father sprang the old;
All afternoon we chatted, telling what we hoped to do,
The struggles we were making and the hardships we’d gone through;
We gathered round the fireside. How fast the hours would fly —
It seemed before we’d settled down ‘twas time to say good-bye.
Those were the glad Thanksgivings, the old-time families knew
When relatives could still be friends and every heart was true. Edgar Albert Guest (1881-1959)

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 24, 2005 | Permalink

Each of us has so much for which to be thankful. At the Vision Forum, we thank the Lord for His goodness, for His mercies, for His love. We thank Him for making us in His image, for commissioning us to serve Him on this earth, and for redeeming us from Hell-fire through the redemptive work of His Son, the Lord of Glory, Jesus Christ. We thank Him for the blessing of Christian marriage and the joy of the fruit of the womb. We thank Him for the sweetness of Christian family life. We thank Him for the community of Saints and for His bride, the Church He purchased with His blood. We thank Him for the manifold blessings of liberty and prosperity He has showered upon this providentially conceived nation. We thank Him for ever meeting our needs and generously giving us our daily bread.

And we thank Him for you.

On behalf of the families which make up the work of Vision Forum, we want to thank God for you. Thanks to all of you who have stood with us in the cause of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks to all of you who have determined that you would be warriors of the Lord in defense of the Honor of His Son, and in the battle of our generation — the preservation of the Christian family.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 24, 2005 | Permalink

Loving Christian friends, I do heartily and in the Lord salute you all, as being they with whom I am present in my best affection, and most earnest longings after you, though I be constrained for a while to be bodily absent from you. I say constrained, God knowing how willingly, and much rather than otherwise, I would have born my part with you in this first brunt, were I not by strong necessity held back for the present. Make account of me in the mean while, as of a man divided in myself with great pain, and as (natural bonds set aside) having my better part with you. And though I doubt not but in your godly wisdoms, you both foresee and resolve upon that which concerns your present state and condition, both severally and jointly, yet have I thought it but my duty to add some further spur of provocation unto them, who run already, if not because you need it, yet because I owe it in love and duty. And first, as we are daily to renew our repentance with our God, especially for our sins known, and generally for our unknown trespasses, so doth the Lord call us in a singular manner upon occasions of such difficulty and danger as lies upon you, to a both more narrow search and careful reformation of your ways in his sight; least he, calling to remembrance our sins forgotten by us or unrepented of, take advantage against us, and in judgment leave us for the same to be swallowed up in one danger or other; whereas, on the contrary, sin being taken away by earnest repentance and the pardon thereof from the Lord sealed up unto a mans conscience by his spirit, great shall be his security and peace in all dangers, sweet his comforts in all distresses, with happy deliverance from all evil, whether in life or in death.

Now next after this heavenly peace with God and our own consciences, we are carefully to provide for peace with all men what in us lies, especially with our associates, and for that watchfulness must be had, that we neither at all in our selves do give, no nor easily take offense being given by others. Woe be unto the world for offenses, for though it be necessary (considering the malice of Satan and man’s corruption) that offenses come, yet woe unto the man or woman either by whom the offense cometh, says Christ (Matt. 18:7). And if offenses in the unseasonable use of things in themselves indifferent, be more to be feared than death itself, as the Apostle teaches (1 Cor. 9:15), how much more in things simply evil, in which neither honor of God nor love of man is thought worthy to be regarded. Neither yet is it sufficient that we keep ourselves by the grace of God from giving offense, except with all we be armed against the taking of them when they be given by others. For how imperfect and lame is the work of grace in that person, who wants charity to cover a multitude of offenses, as the scriptures speak. Neither are you to be exhorted to this grace only upon the common grounds of Christianity, which are, that persons ready to take offense, either want charity, to cover offenses, or wisdom duly to weigh humane frailty; or lastly, are gross, though close hypocrites, as Christ our Lord teaches (Matt. 7:1-3), as indeed in my own experience, few or none have been found which sooner give offense, then such as easily take it; neither have they ever proved sound and profitable members in societies, which have nourished this touchy humor. But besides these, there are diverse motives provoking you above others to great care and conscience this way: As first, you are many of you strangers, as to the persons, so to the infirmities one of another, and so stand in need of more watchfulness this way, least when such things fall out in men and women as you suspected not, you be inordinately affected with them; which does require at your hands much wisdom and charity for the covering and preventing of incident offenses that way. And lastly, your intended course of civil community will minister continual occasion of offense, and will be as fuel for that fire, except you diligently quench it with brotherly forbearance. And if taking of offense causelessly or easily at men’s doings be so carefully to be avoided, how much more heed is to be taken that we take not offense at God himself, which yet we certainly do so often as we do murmur at his providence in our crosses, or bear impatiently such afflictions as wherewith he pleases to visit us. Store up therefore patience against the evil day, without which we take offense at the Lord himself in his holy and just works.

Another thing there is carefully to be provided for, to wit, that with your common employments you join common affections truly bent upon the general good, avoiding as a deadly plague of your both common and special comfort all retiredness of mind for proper advantage, and all singularly affected any manner of way; let every man repress in himself and the whole body in each person, as so many rebels against the common good, all private respects of men’s selves, not sorting with the general convenience. And as men are careful not to have a new house shaken with any violence before it be well settled and the parts firmly knit, so be you, I beseech you, brethren, much more careful, that the house of God which you are, and are to be, be not shaken with unnecessary novelties or other oppositions at the first settling thereof.

Lastly, whereas you are become a body politic, using amongst yourselves civil government, and are not furnished with any persons of special eminence above the rest, to be chosen by you into office of government, let your wisdom and godliness appear, not only in choosing such persons as do entirely love and will promote the common good, but also in yielding unto them all due honor and obedience in their lawful administrations; not beholding in them the ordinariness of their persons, but God’s ordinance for your good, not being like the foolish multitude who more honor the gay coat, than either the virtuous mind of the man, or glorious ordinance of the Lord. But you know better things, and that the image of the Lord’s power and authority which the magistrate bears, is honorable, in howsoever mean persons. And this duty you both may the more willingly and ought the more conscionably to perform, because you are at least for the present to have only them for your ordinary governors, which yourselves shall make choice of for that work.

Sundry other things of importance I could put you in mind of, and of those before mentioned, in more words, but I will not so far wrong your godly minds as to think you heedless of these things, there being also diverse among you so well able to admonish both themselves and others of what concerns them. These few things therefore, and the same in few words, I do earnestly commend unto your care and conscience, joining therewith my daily incessant prayers unto the Lord, that he who hath made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all rivers of waters, and whose providence is over all his works, especially over all his dear children for good, would so guide and guard you in your ways, as inwardly by his Spirit, so outwardly by the hand of his power, as that both you and we also, for and with you, may have after matter of praising his name all the days of your and our lives. Fare you well in him in whom you trust, and in whom I rest.

An unfeigned well-willer of your happy success in this hopeful voyage,

JOHN ROBINSON.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 24, 2005 | Permalink

Largely speaking, the Founding Fathers held to orthodox Trinitarian Christianity. Collectively, they sought to build a nation under the God of the Bible. The notion that the Founding Fathers were a gang of deists, or that they would tolerate allegiance to a God other than the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is obliterated by their formal Thanksgiving proclamations. Under their leadership and direction, the United States government proposed, passed, and implemented laws calling for civil holidays which officially called for Americans to give thanks and worship the Lord, and named Him as Jesus Christ.

United States Congress Tells Americans to Repent of Their Sins; Urges All Americans to Worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

You did not read about it in government school (or even in your local church), but Vision Forum is pleased to offer you some of these thanksgiving proclamation quotes. Below are a few:

Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with gratitude their obligation to him for benefits received, and to implore such father blessings as they stand in need of...it is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of these United States to set apart Thursday the 18th day of December next, for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise; that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their Divine Benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor; and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance; that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the Governments of these States, respectively, and prosper the Pubic Council of the whole; to inspire our Commanders, both by land and sea, and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude, which may render them fit instruments, under Providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States the greatest of all blessings, independence and peace...virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion, for the promotion and enlargement of that Kingdom which consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. And it is further recommended, that servile labour and such recreation as, though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of this appointment, be omitted on so solemn an occasion.

—Henry Laurens, President of Congress, 1777

The Chaplains of Congress were, on the November 7, 1778, ordered to prepare and report a recommendation to the several States to set apart the 30th day of December following as a day of General Thanksgiving throughout the United States. On the 17th of November, the recommendation was submitted, which being amended, was as follows:

It having pleased Almighty God, through the course of the present year, to bestow many great and manifold merices on the people of these United States; and it being the indispensable duty of all men gratefully to acknowledge their obligations to him for benefits received;

Resolved, That it be and hereby is recommend to the legislative or executive authority of each of the said States to appoint Wednesday, the 30th of December next, to be observed as a day of public Thanksgiving and praise; that all people may with united hearts, on that day express a just sense of his unmerited favour; particularly in that it hath pleased him by his overruling providence to support us in a just and necessary war, for the defense of our rights and liberties, by affording us seasonable supplies for our armies; by disposing the heart of a powerful monarch to enter into an alliance with us, and aid our cause, by defeating the councils and evil designs of our enemies, and giving us victory over their troops; and by the cotinuance of that union among these States which, by his blessings, will be their future strength and glory...

And it is further recommended, that, together with devout Thanksgiving, may be joined a penitent confession of our sins, and humble supplication for pardon, through the merits of our Savior, so that, under the smiles of heaven, our public councils may be directed, our arms by land and sea prospered, our schools and seminaries of learning flourish, our trade be revived, and our husbandry and manufactures increased, and the hearts of all impressed with undissembled piety, with benevolence and zeal for the public good...Done in Congress this 17th day of November, 1778, and in the third year of Independence of the United States of America.

Editor’s Comment: These Thanksgiving proclamations are mini-theology lessons. Fathers, read them to your children. What do these proclamations reveal about the theology of the Founders? What do they reveal about the Congress’s view of the Sovereignty of God? Of sin? Of Providence? Of redemption? Of law? Is your pastor as theologically orthodox as the congressmen of this day?

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 22, 2005 | Permalink

The Local Church as a Body of Covenanting Believers

The local church is a self-governing body. The difference between a local church that honors Christ through wise and efficient self-government, versus arbitrary, tyrannical, or anarchical government, often comes down to the existence and enforcement of the local church covenant.

In an age of misplaced expectations, rampant dishonor, ignorance of the law of God, and individualist autonomy, the membership covenant reminds believers of the law of God and requires them to affirm their duties one to another at the time they yoke with other brothers in Christ under the government of a local church.

The emphasis of Scripture is: assume nothing and constantly repeat the obvious.

Why? Because sinful, forgetful, and self-serving man is ever about the business of changing the rules of engagement and setting aside the revealed and the obvious in favor of the expedient. If men and women were angels, they would not have to recite vows at the time of their wedding. After all, the duties of husbands and wives toward one another is clearly spelled out in Scripture. But they do recite vows, and for good reason! The public affirmation of covenant duties not only establishes a witness, but a public record that the parties to the covenant understand what they are doing, pledge to keep their covenant, and submit themselves to accountability, should that covenant ever be broken. Covenants clarify expectations. They reinforce jurisdictional accountability. They anticipate potential problems and seek to address them through full disclosure well in advance of a problem arising.

Biblical church covenants do not add to Scripture or invent new and arbitrary rules as preconditions for membership. Instead, biblical church covenants reinforce and restate the duties of believers one towards another, and before the Lord, in the context of a specific local church. Thus, the church covenant is a local and specific expression of the covenant the believer entered into with the Lord Jesus Christ at the moment he was redeemed.

Church Covenants and the Founding Fathers of America

This Thanksgiving, it is important to remember that America was founded on ecclesiastical and civil covenants, without which there would have been death, chaos, and no clear Christian origin of our nation.

Without the Mayflower Compact, the tension building between the saints and strangers arriving in the New World would have resulted in mobocracy and social implosion. Without the covenant between the Pilgrims and Massasoit of the Wampanoags (which resulted in fifty years of unbroken peace between the two communities), there would have been tension, slaughter and a sandy foundation for building a stable society. Without the distinctively biblical civil covenants governing the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and later the other colonies, America would have quickly devolved from a Christian nation into a polytheistic nation, much like what our leaders hope to see enshrined today.

The concept of Christian covenant and accountability was the theme of John Winthrop’s writing while en route to Salem aboard the ship Arabella in his Model of Christian Charity:

For the persons, we are a Company professing ourselves fellow members of Christ for the work we have in hand, it is by mutual consent through a special overruling providence, and a more ordinary approbation of the Churches of Christ to seek out a place of Cohabitation and Consortship under a due form of Government both civil and ecclesiastical.

The 1629 Covenant at Salem

Nine years after the first Pilgrims set foot in Plymouth, other separatists and nonconformists established Salem (“city of peace”) and founded its local church around a covenant. Below is the covenant in its entirety. Note the specifics of the covenant, the depth of commitment, the realistic anticipation of difficulties within the body, and the complete dependence on the grace of God:

First we avowe the Lord to be our God, and oursleves his people in truth and simplicitie of our Spirits.

Wee give ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, and the word of his grace, fore the teaching, ruling and sanctifyeing of us in matters of worship, and conversation, resolving to cleave to him alone for life and glorie; and oppose all contraire wayes, canons and constitutions of men in his worship.

Wee promise to walk with our brethen and sister in the Congregation with all watchfullness, and tendernis, avoyding all jelouseies, suspitions, backbyteings, conjurings, provoakings, secrete riseings of spirit against them, but in all offences to follow the rule of the Lord Jesus, and to beare and forbeare, give and forgive as he hath taught us.

In publick or private, we will willingly doe nothing to the offence of hte Church, but will be willing to take advise for ourselves and ours as occasion shall be presented.

Wee will not in the Congregation be forward eyther to show our own gifts or parts in speaking or scrupuling or there discover the fayling of our brethren or sisters butt attend an orderly cale thereunto; knowing how much the Lord may be dishonoured, and his Gospell in the profession of it, sleighted by our distempers, and weakness in publyck.

Wee bynd ourselves to studdy the advancement of the Gospell in all truth and peace, both in regard of those that are within, or without, noe waye sleighting our sister Churches, but useing theire Counsell as need shall be; nor laying a stumbling, before any, noe not the Indians, whose good we desire to promote, and soe to converse, as wee may avoyd the verrye appearance of evill.

Wee hearby promise to carrye ourselves in all lawfull obedience, to those that are over us in Church and Common weale, knowing how well pleasing it wil be to the Lord, that they should have incouragement in theire places, by our not greiveing there spirites through our iregulareties.

Wee resolve to prove our selves to the Lord in our particular callings, shunning ydlenes as the bane of any state, nor will we deale hardly, or opressingly with Any, wherein we are the Lords stewards: alsoe

Promyseing to our best abilitie to teach our chilren and servants, the knowledge of God and his will, that they may serve him alsoe and all this, not be any strength of our owne, but the Lord Christ, whose bloud we desire may sprinckle this our Covenant made in his name.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 22, 2005 | Permalink

Question: What is arguably the single most historic spot in America concerning the spiritual origins of our nation?

Answer: Cole’s Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Cole’s Hill overlooks Plymouth Harbor and is adjacent to “Plymouth Rock,” the location which the aged Elder Faunce identified as the spot where the Pilgrims landed — a story communicated to him as a boy by William Bradford himself.

Several times over the last two hundred years, storms have opened up the side of Cole’s Hill to reveal the remains of those Pilgrims who died during the first horrible winter. This location was the scene of the secret night burials. Corn was planted over the unmarked Pilgrim graves so that the Wampanoag Indians would not know how many had perished. It is believed that the remains of more Mayflower Pilgrims rest within Cole’s Hill.

At the top of Cole’s Hill, just yards from Plymouth Rock, is the National Wax Museum, a wonderful historic location that for more than half of a century has guarded this sacred location.

Now the tragedy: Earlier this year, the Plymouth Wax Museum (and much of Cole’s Hill) was sold to a condo developer. Despite efforts on the part of local Christians to raise money to rescue this historic treasure trove, funds were not forthcoming.

May the Lord help us to be more faithful in preserving the ancient landmarks to our liberty by putting our money where our collective mouths are. We have a duty to our children’s children to preserve and promote the providential heritage of this nation.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 22, 2005 | Permalink

The greatest graveyards are places of hope, heroes, and history. Seven American graveyards should rightly be distinguished as the most significant repositories of early American history, of saints, and of patriots. Boston boasts the great trinity of American graveyards: The Old Granary, King’s Chapel, and Copps Hill Burial Ground. From my perspective, Burial Hill in Plymouth (with Copps Hill a close second) is the most meaningful of the great cemeteries. Outside of Massachusetts, the most important historical cemeteries are Christ’s Church in Philadelphia, Princeton Cemetery in New Jersey, and Hollywood Park in Richmond.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 22, 2005 | Permalink

He was indeed a person of a well-tempered spirit, or else it had been scarce possible for him to have kept the affairs of Plymouth in so good a temper for thirty-seven years together.... The leader of a people in a wilderness had need be a Moses; and if a Moses had not led the people of Plymouth Colony, when this worthy person was their governour, the people had never with so much unanimity and importunity still called him to lead them. He was a person for study as well as action; and hence, notwithstanding the difficulties through which he had passed in his youth, he attained unto a notable skill in languages.... He was also well skilled in History, in Antiquity, and in Philosophy; and for Theology he became so versed in it, that he was an irrefragable disputant against the errors, especially those of Anabaptism, which with trouble he saw rising in his colony.... But the crown of all was his holy, prayerful, watchful, and fruitful walk with God, wherein he was very exemplary.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 22, 2005 | Permalink

This week on Doug’s Blog, I will share stories and lessons from our Pilgrim and Puritan fathers. Please feel free to download them to read at the dinner table.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 21, 2005 | Permalink

This week, Americans honor a civil holiday established by our magistrates to give thanks to God. The Pilgrims would have been pleased with the idea of setting aside days to give thanks for “special providences” of God. Though they rejected as unbiblical the liturgical calendars of the Anglicans and Roman Catholics, the Pilgrims and Puritans encouraged both civil and ecclesiastical special days of thanksgiving. They also encouraged special days of humiliation, prayer, and fasting.

The practice of the civil magistrate declaring special days of thanksgiving to the God of the Bible is deeply rooted in Holy Scripture. Esther 9:19 give us one such example in which thanksgiving was declared for the deliverances of God, and expressed through feasting and gift-giving:

Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

With the rise of political polytheism, and especially since the 1960s, American Thanksgivings have become more pluralistic and secular in nature. But it was not always so, nor should we willingly surrender our God-required commitment that this nation acknowledge and give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 2).

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 21, 2005 | Permalink

This seasons’ best-selling Vision Forum items include The League of Grateful Sons, Jonathan Park, and an important, groundbreaking new book from Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin, So Much More: The Remarkable Influence of Visionary Daughters on the Kingdom of God.

So Much More smashes stereotypes of the Left and Right. In the spirit of the principle of semper reformanda, So Much More is a reflection of the current great Holy Spirit work of Christ-focused family revival where a people are being made ready for the Lord as the hearts of children are turned to their parents and parents to their children — all this, in the midst of a paganism-loving, saltless Christianity which has all but embraced the worst vision of womanhood in the name of cultural relevancy and personal rights.

So Much More recaptures definitions of biblical womanhood which have been under attack by feminist sabateurs within the camp of the Faithful. It presents a forward-thinking, distinctively biblical vision of Christian womanhood which transcends time and culture. It adds further clarity in answering the question: “what’s a girl to do?” Destined to be despised by feminists, post-moderns, and neo-barthian anti-patriarchs; but beloved of those who cherish the biblical ideal of womanhood in all of its beauty and influence, So Much More is the kind of literature we should be placing in the hands of our noble daughters. Within the pages of this book, girls will discover practical, biblical solutions for the young woman who wants to do so much more than just “survive” in a savagely feministic, anti-Christian culture. Readers will find the answers a girl is not likely to get from her church youth group, her peers, or her culture

Of So Much More, Jennie Chancey writes:

You hold in your hands a rare gem, the fruit of godly parenting, biblical mentoring, and thoroughly scriptural teaching. Its vision is one that should awaken every daughter to the calling she has to advance the kingdom of God. Page after page, I laughed, rejoiced, wept, and felt “hallelujahs!” rising in my throat. Praise the Lord for such a book! —Jennie Chancey

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 21, 2005 | Permalink

Alfred Anderson, the last known survivor of the 1914 “Christmas Truce” that saw British and German soldiers exchanging gifts and handshakes in no man’s land, died early Monday. He was 109. His death leaves fewer than ten veterans of World War I alive in Britain.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 21, 2005 | Permalink

Margaret Phillips, mother to six (including the author of this blog), is smothered with kisses from adoring fans upon conclusion of listening to her acceptance speech for Eagle Forum’s “Homemaker of the Year Award.” Congratulations, Mom. We love you heart and soul.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 16, 2005 | Permalink

The little boys with their bears will someday fight battles, rule nations, love wives, and sire sons and daughters.

Fathers, don’t forget the little boys with their bears.

Biblical fatherhood is God’s first ordained and perhaps greatest Gospel witness to the next generation. We best understand God the Father when our earthly fathers model fatherhood (Hebrews 12).

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 16, 2005 | Permalink

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The Child is father of the Man;
I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.

Wordsworth

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 16, 2005 | Permalink

Happy girlfriends — Hannah and Faith.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 15, 2005 | Permalink

He was only five years old when a local barnstormer offered to take young Bill Brown for a flight in a biplane in exchange for one of his mother’s home-cooked meals. That day birthed a life-long fascination with aviation. As a young man, he grew up near the home of the man who would become the most famous pilot of the Second World War — Jimmy Doolittle of the “Doolittle Raiders.” By twenty-one, Brown had earned his own wings and found himself as a flying P-51 Mustang fighter pilot performing daring raids from battlefields like Iwo Jima. Ultimately he was shot down during a combat mission over Japan, but would live to become a dynamic servant of the Cross.

Featured in the film, The League of Grateful Sons, Bill Brown is now the subject of a thrilling story of combat, faith, and fatherhood told through the eyes of granddaughter Kelly Brown. In Coming In on a Wing and a Prayer: A Granddaughter Remembers Her Wartime Hero, a beautiful, pictorially rich book, Kelly recounts the life of her flyboy grandfather as a letter to generations yet to be born.

I want to personally recommend this book to readers of Doug’s Blog for the following reasons: This is a great family read-aloud book that brings the generations together, training young and old alike how to appreciate the providences of God. Boys will love it for the tremendous story of the young men that flew the planes that helped to secure America’s victory in the Pacific. Girls will love it, too. The book, written by home school author Kelly Brown, is a special encouragement to Christian young women everywhere. Through her work as an author, Kelly models one of the many ways that faithful daughters can expand the ministry and mission of their households, demonstrate multi-generational faithfulness, and use personal gifts for glory of God in their capacity as faithful daughters.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 15, 2005 | Permalink

Dear Doug: I just purchased and viewed The League of Grateful Sons and I am one of them. My mother had seven brothers in WWII at one time. One in the Marines on Iwo. I come from a family of soldiers on one side and a family of musicians on the other. Add to this my wife’s mix and we have some awesome children! See the photo. —Tom S.

Tom, what a story! Thanks for sharing it with us at Vision Forum. —Doug

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 15, 2005 | Permalink

In preparation for my sermon this weekend on James 3:1-12 — “The Most Unruly Member of Every Congregation,” I came across these wonderful ditties and tongue-twisters. Enjoy them with your family. May the Lord Jesus Christ receive glory from what we say, as well as what we don’t say.

Delightful Ditty

Somewhere on a lonely hill in an English country churchyard stands a drab, gray slate tombstone. The ancient stone bears a telling epitaph:

Beneath this stone, a lump of clay,
lies Arabella Young,
Who on the twenty-fourth of May,
began to hold her tongue.

Wise Maxim

If your lips would keep from slips, Five things observe with care: To whom you speak; of whom you speak; And how, and when, and where. —William Norris

One-Line Tongue Twisters

Sam’s shop stocks short spotted socks.

Shy Shelly says she shall sew sheets.

Lesser leather never weathered wetter weather better.

Many an anemone sees an enemy anemone.

Don’t pamper damp scamp tramps that camp under ramp lamps.

She sifted thistles through her thistle-sifter.

A bloke’s back bike brake block broke.

Lily ladles little Letty’s lentil soup.

The epitome of femininity.

Six slippery snails, slid slowly seaward.

Cows graze in groves on grass which grows in grooves in groves

A Few of My Own

Two tongues twisting truth try tested truth-tellers.
True tongues telling truth tame testy tale-bearers.

Relevant Reggie rails relentlessly, ruining relations, running recklessly.

Willie Wonka wants willing workers, wanting wisdom Wonka waits.

Slippery Sandy sings sour songs, sports sappy symbols, speaks sinful sayings; Sample Schtick?: Slick, sick, slack, and slinking spin spam, seek simple sad-sac seekers.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 14, 2005 | Permalink

Students gather to discuss philosophy of film with seasoned filmmakers at the 2005 Christian Filmmakers Academy

Once upon a time in America, motion pictures could not receive a blessing of approval for distribution to the public unless they met rigorous guidelines designed to protect the morals of the nation and the good reputation of the Christian faith. This code was embodied in the Hays Commission of the 1920s and ’30s. Students at the 2005 Christian Filmmakers Academy studied the Hays Commission as a contrast to the abysmal state of depravity driving Hollywood today.

Stunning in its bold opposition to inappropriate material on film, the Hays Commission still fell short because it lacked sufficient theological grounding in a presuppositionally Christian cultural mandate and ethic. Consequently, at points it introduced error, and at other points it failed to go far enough. This being said, it has moments of real brilliance and cultural blessing.

It is a sad commentary on modern Evangelicalism, that our most vocal proponents of Christian cultural syncretism with Babylon Central (i.e., Hollywood) would be deeply offended by the Code for being “too legalistic,” “too fundamentalist,” and a restriction on their liberty in Christ to look at “non-gratuitous nudity,” to use profanity and cursing in film script writing, and to make light of the sanctity of the marriage bed.

Incredibly, some of these proponents of Christians going “inside Hollywood” present as “proof” of Christian victory the fact that there are Christians working on That ’70s Show and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. From our perspective, such examples are proof not only of the monumental irrelevancy of Christians serving as serfs for Hollywood’s God-hating, pagan elites, but to the profound influence of desensitization to evil that comes to Christians who advance the religious agenda of the enemy through the precious gifts the Lord has given to them.

More than 1,200 people gather to watch Christ-honoring films at the 2005 SAICFF

Here are a few tidbits from the Hays Motion Picture Production Code of 1930:

If motion pictures present stories that will affect lives for the better, they can become the most powerful force for the improvement of mankind. A Code to Govern the Making of Talking, Synchronized and Silent Motion Pictures. Formulated and formally adopted by The Association of Motion Picture Producers, Inc. and The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc. in March 1930.

Motion picture producers recognize the high trust and confidence which have been placed in them by the people of the world and which have made motion pictures a universal form of entertainment. They recognize their responsibility to the public because of this trust and because entertainment and art are important influences in the life of a nation...they know that the motion picture within its own field of entertainment may be directly responsible for spiritual or moral progress, for higher types of social life, and for much correct thinking. During the rapid transition from silent to talking pictures they have realized the necessity and the opportunity of subscribing to a Code to govern the production of talking pictures and of re-acknowledging this responsibility. On their part, they ask from the public and from public leaders a sympathetic understanding of their purposes and problems and a spirit of cooperation that will allow them the freedom and opportunity necessary to bring the motion picture to a still higher level of wholesome entertainment for all the people.

General Principles: 1. No picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standards of those who see it. Hence the sympathy of the audience should never be thrown to the side of crime, wrongdoing, evil or sin. 2. Correct standards of life, subject only to the requirements of drama and entertainment, shall be presented. 3. Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be created for its violation.

Vulgarity: The treatment of low, disgusting, unpleasant, though not necessarily evil, subjects should always be subject to the dictates of good taste and a regard for the sensibilities of the audience.

Obscenity: Obscenity in word, gesture, reference, song, joke, or by suggestion (even when likely to be understood only by part of the audience) is forbidden.

Profanity: Pointed profanity (this includes the words, God, Lord, Jesus, Christ — unless used reverently... or every other profane or vulgar expression however used, is forbidden.

Religion: ...Ministers of religion in their character as ministers of religion should not be used as comic characters or as villains....

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 12, 2005 | Permalink

There are many fine families the Lord is raising up to rebuild Nehemiah’s wall in our local churches, families, and in American culture. A common denominator is a turning of the heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, a turning of the hearts of fathers to sons and sons to fathers, and a committment to fight the battles of our generation through a life of self-sacrifice for our God and Savior. I am grateful for one example in the dear men pictured above. These fellows are part of a ready-response team to show the love of Christ to victims of natural disasters like Katrina. We were grateful to co-labor with them in the work of Christ during this summer’s hurricane disaster. God bless you fellas.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 11, 2005 | Permalink

Our mission is not to reform the government schools...
Our mission is to replace the government schools.
Our mission is not to reform Hollywood...
Our mission is to replace Hollywood.
Our mission is not to reform paganism...
It is to build Christian culture for the honor of Jesus Christ.

Tear down the high places!

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 11, 2005 | Permalink

Four year old Honor Phillips dresses up to honor the World War II fathers at the world premiere of The League of Grateful Sons.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 11, 2005 | Permalink

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints.” (Colossians 1:3-4)

Dear Mr. Phillips,

May our Lord continue to bless your ministries. This is a belated note of thanks from a family that attended the Film Academy and was scheduled to attend the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival but was unexpectedly called away.

As a homeschooling father, elder in a local church, law professor for a Christian law school, author of a number of federal court opinions, and father of aspiring Christian filmmakers, I was pleasantly surprised by this Film Academy. You and the other members of the faculty laid the proper orientation and sound theological foundations necessary for any Christian’s participation in this powerful medium of communication. Upon this foundation, the faculty then provided effective practical instruction in the art of filmmaking, equipping our children not only to understand the role of the Christian filmmaker today but to carry it out. On top of this, you have facilitated a vital and growing network of these talented and inspired culture changers to share ideas, work together, and increase their effectiveness in advancing our Lord’s messages through film.

Before I attended, I thought I understood the importance of this medium for communicating God’s message, but I was wrong. I now see the critical point in time that our Lord has chosen to lift up this generation of Godly and talented young people to challenge our sinful culture, and the impressive technological tools that He has set before them to confront and transform our nation and our world.

This Film Academy met and exceeded all of our hopes and expectations. Even beyond the excellent instruction and helpful interaction with students, my family experienced firsthand the Godly character of the people involved in these Vision Forum ministries. After the closing session of the Film Academy on Wednesday evening, my dear grandmother died and went to be with the Lord. Therefore, we were not able to stay and see the film that our children had made and that was being shown at the Film Festival....It was a very difficult time for my family, but I never heard one complaint from any of them. I am convinced that this was due to the grace of our Lord, shown in large part by the tremendous outpouring of love and care that we received from all of those serving with Vision Forum, and particularly Pat Roy, Kevin Turley and Kathleen Turley. These ministers of our Lord showed His love to my family at a time when we really needed it. I will always be grateful to Vision Forum for how you cared for us and prepared us to return and minister to the rest of my grieving family.

Thank you Mr. Phillips and Vision Forum for discerning the times so well to prepare a generation of culture changers, for your faithfulness to His word in preparing them for this great work, and for the good fruit that you showed in the way you have done all of this. May our Lord increase your ministry and its effectiveness in transforming our world for Christ.

Gratefully,
Robert S. and Family

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 10, 2005 | Permalink

Texas voters rose to overwhelmingly communicate their opposition to sodomite “marriages” yesterday. Seventy-six percent of the voters affirmed a constitutional amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman. The amendment was a reasonable, appropriate, wise, and constitutional defense of the biblical definition of the family. Texans should be grateful. This being noted, several critical points must be emphasized before Christians rest on the laurels of victory:

1. There would be no need for such an amendment if Texas judges and magistrates simply upheld their oath to affirm the pre-existing Constitution, state law, and common law against extra-judicial, unconstitutional, and unlawful pronunciations of the federal and Supreme Court. This takes the courage of Christian men like Roy Moore who will set the standard by honoring the rule of law, and the God who governs the rule of law, more than the imperial dictates of individuals who declare by fiat that babies may be executed, that God may not be acknowledged, and that men may marry trees, chairs, dogs, other men, or any other perversion of the transcendent, unalterable law of God.

2. Only God can define marriage. We may affirm and enforce His definition, but Americans are not at liberty even to presume that anything other than His definition may govern. Our common law, which finds its origin in Holy Scripture and is incorporated twice by reference into the United States Constitution, has long reflected this fact. More importantly, transcendent moral laws are not subject to legislative nullification. From the perspective of the true rule of law governing in this nation, it matters not whether amendments pass or fail, whether the Supreme Court rules favorably or negatively; no man can change the legal definition of marriage, any more than they can, by fiat, declare that babies may be killed because they are unwanted, that Jews may be gassed for being Jews, or that Christians may not be allowed to exclusively worship the one true God of Scripture. All oath-bound judges are bound to keep their oaths to a law system under God, to uphold the original intent of the Founders when ruling on matters under the jurisdiction of the Constitution, and to oppose any ruling of man which pretends to supplant the transcendent moral law of God with the immoral law of man. Again, the problem is not the law, but the lack of courage on the part of our leaders to enforce the law.

3. In the post-Lawrence world, many legal strategists are hoping to protect states that historically banned sodomy from being forced to accept out-of-state sodomite marriages under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution. Under the Court’s interpretation of Full Faith and Credit, states must accept the legally binding decisions of other states, unless such decisions would be “against public policy.” Texas was one of many states that banned sodomy. This means that homosexual marriages are officially against public policy in Texas. Consequently, court-blessed sodomite “marriages” in Massachusetts would not be enforceable or lawful in Texas. Unfortunately, the Lawrence decision reversed the 1986 Supreme Court decision in Bowers v. Hardwick which upheld a Georgia anti-sodomy law and denied that there was a fundamental right to practice moral perversion. Specifically, the Lawrence decision ruled unconstitutional a Texas anti-sodomy law. Because lawmakers and judges have wrongfully set aside the higher law and the state and federal constitution to kowtow to the usurpatious behavior of the Supreme Court, they are in the position of having to enforce out of state “same-sex marriages,” unless they can prove by some other means that “same-sex marriage” is against the public policy of the Texas.

The Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman is an attempt to do just this. I fully support it because it is a well-crafted affirmation of pre-existing law, transcendental law, and constitutional law. From a biblical perspective, civil affirmations of biblical moral law are always desirable. We cannot do this enough. Also, I am grateful that so many Texans still perceive themselves as supporting the biblical definition of marriage and I am deeply thankful that this commitment has been resoundingly communicated. (As long as such a victory does not lead to complacency, or an unwillingness to address root issues, then I believe there is great good here.)

But — and this is a big but — I do not for one minute think that this Amendment resolves the problem for Texans. Nor do I perceive this as an incremental step on the road to victory. There is no genuine “incremental” advancement unless we build our arguments and our cause on the proper foundation. (FYI: Many in support of this Amendment were afraid to say that God is the author of law and of marriage. They wanted to base their arguments on the sociological benefits of marriage.) We must address the root issues — “who is sovereign?” and “what is the rule of law?”

The question I ask my fellow Christians and constitutional lawyers is this: What will you do when the Supreme Court strikes down this Amendment for being an unconstitutional infringement of the civil liberties of sodomites? Surely, none of us are so foolish to believe that state Constitutional Amendments are free of judicial review of a tyrannical court. What will you do when judges are asked to jail, fine, and punish pastors and businessmen for “discriminating” against sodomites? Will you continue to support professing Christian lawmakers and judges who facilitate and help the murder of the unborn under a twisted view of “the rule of law”? Will you set aside the judicial doctrine of interposition, the meaning of the oath, and your duty to God to enforce immorality? Will you self-righteously persecute those Christian leaders who will not compromise and toss out of office those judges who refuse to enforce sodomite marriages? Will you claim, as did the Nuremburg defendants, “Look, I am just following orders under the rule of law”?

I thank God for an amendment which is a lawful affirmation of biblical truth, but without a commitment to act on principle, to uphold the rule of law, to lawfully resist tyrannical decisions of an imperial court, to remove judges from office for bad behavior, to constitutionally strip courts of jurisdiction, and, most importantly, to affirm the Lawgiver who is the only true source of judicial authority — it is only a matter of time before the same men who argued in favor of the Constitutional Amendment, argue to support the Court in declaring such an amendment unconstitutional.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 9, 2005 | Permalink

Tom Keen with his four children at Callaway Gardens

My good friend Tom Keen of Family Conferences is hosting Vision Forum Ministries’ Uniting Church and Family Regional Conference on November 18-19 in Birmingham, Alabama. Tom and his wife Nan are the parents of four children, whom they have delighted to raise up to serve the Lord. As long-time home schoolers who were instrumental in founding CHEF of Alabama in 1988, Tom and his wife have had a heart for encouraging the biblical family for years.

We have been delighted to work with Tom on several Father/Son and Father/Daughter Retreats in the past, and we are thankful for the opportunity to now work with the Keen family to bring the message of church and home to Alabama. If you would like to register for the Alabama Uniting Church and Family Conference, which will be held next weekend in Birmingham, click here.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 9, 2005 | Permalink

See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee. (Exodus 31:2-6)

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 7, 2005 | Permalink

Just wanted to thank you for the fabulous film academy that my daughter Caroline and I attended. We were so encouraged by the teaching and the examples set by the men who taught. We had opportunity to personally interact with most of the speakers as well as sit under their teaching and this was such a blessing! In addition to all of the great theology, doctrine, and vision, we especially benefited from Ken Carpenter’s session featuring a mock production meeting. It was so practical for the young filmmakers there like my daughter and for us who are trying to support them. I know my daughter would love some more hands-on type workshops at next year’s academy and we were intrigued by the idea of actually making a short film during the academy with a team from those attending. Thank you to the Botkins too who worked tirelessly, I know, in preparing for the academy and took time to talk to so many people, including us. As always we so appreciate Doug’s vision for this industry and pray it will come about. Thank you so much. In Christ, Cathie B.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 7, 2005 | Permalink

This film festival is a great way to bring delight-directed study home to your home schoolers. Think about this. You are saving a lot of money by teaching your children at home instead of sending them to a private Christian school. (Yes, public school is “free,” but it is also worth every penny of it.) This film festival is one way to reinvest some of what you are saving in a life-changing educational experience for your young adults.

To be brutally honest, if you do not do something like this once in a while, you are cheating your children out of the best that home schooling has to offer them. Film making is just one area of involvement to consider. Home school speech and debate is another rather expensive activity. But it is worth it. So, if its not this event, it should be something else just as exciting and expensive. Don’t try to save money on home schooling! Simply invest what you would have spent in a better, more effective way.

As an experienced home-schooling father, pastor of many home schooling families and, yes, as a home school pioneer “guru,” let me tell you, this kind of decision is what separates the mediocre home schoolers from the truly excellent home schoolers. Save your money up each year to do something extraordinary for your children’s education. It is not just a matter of what you learn in the sessions, but of who you meet and the vision that will be birthed in each student’s heart.

So, here is my challenge to my young readers. Print this out and take it to your parents and ask them, “If not this, then what?” Ask them to choose something exciting to invest their hard earned time, energy and money in so that you can get the best possible home school education. Tell them that Gregg Harris says that home schooling parents also need to “Do Hard Things.”

—Gregg Harris

(Thanks to Alex and Brett Harris of The Rebelution for permission to reprint here.)

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 5, 2005 | Permalink

Congratulations to our first codebreakers. To the rest of you — You can do it!

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 2, 2005 | Permalink

We are grateful to the Lord, not merely for the quantity of people who came, but of (far more important than numbers) the quality of men, women, fathers and mothers, and sons and daughters who attended the film festival. More than 1,200 were in attendance for this year’s festival and the world premiere of The League of Grateful Sons, nearly doubling the attendance since last year’s inaugural festival. The majority of those in attendance, including most of our filmmakers, came as families. The spirit of enthusiasm, charity, and encouragement among the attendees — for a conference that involves one of the most powerful, controversial, dangerous, and promising mediums of our generation — is a testimony to the beautiful work of the Holy Spirit in crafting a movement of hope which fearlessly proclaims the lordship of Christ over aesthetics and refuses to either synthesize with paganism or retreat from the battle. May all glory, praise, honor, and adoration go to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 1, 2005 | Permalink

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rasco captured two Jubilees (“Best of Festival,” “Best Narrative”) for their outstanding work, No Greater Love. Produced for only $5,300, the film beautifully portrays the ability of independent Christian filmmakers to create meaningful, cost-effective, God-honoring films for families with strong production values — outside of Hollywood.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 1, 2005 | Permalink

My father was seated with the World War II veterans at the world premiere of The League of Grateful Sons this last Friday. He related to me a precious story about an 84-year-old man sitting next to him. Unable to move much or to clap his hands, tears ran down the cheeks of the aged veteran when the Sentimental Journey Orchestra opened the evening with the beautiful tune, “Moonlight Serenade.” Though he could not clap, he would bang his hand on the seat to express his gratitude for once again hearing the soundtrack of his youth.

The Memphis Belles performed their rendition of “Apple Blossom Time.”

We invited this vintage World War II orchestra to play. Our mission was to bless and honor the veterans and give the children of this present generation some insight into the music which unified the nation during the war years. The Sentimental Journey Orchestra played “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” a melody of tunes from the armed services, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” “Sentimental Journey,” and many others.

Posted by Doug Phillips on November 1, 2005 | Permalink