"....Your children shall be like olive plants all around your table." Psalm 128:3

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

From My Commonplace



I have been reading the book, John Adams by David McCullough for several months. It was a gift from my dear friend, Silvia. It's a long book (651 pages), and I am taking my time, yet I was hoping to get it finished before Ian will be needing for Term 3. I have come to realize that it is not going to happen, so we will be reading it together, which will make for wonderful discussion time.  :)

There are so many treasures in this book; my commonplace book is fast filling up.

I want to share one quote from a letter that John wrote to his daughter, Nabby. It was his advice to her on choosing a husband.

"Daughter! Get you an honest man for a husband, and keep him honest. No matter whether he is rich, provided he be independent. Regard the honor and moral character of the man more than all other circumstances. Think of no other greatness but that of the soul, no other riches but those of the heart. An honest, sensible, humane man, above all the littleness of vanity and extravagances of imagination, laboring to do good rather than be rich, to be useful rather than make a show, living in modest simplicity clearly within his means and free from debts and obligations, is really the most respectable man in society, makes himself and all about him most happy."


This is timely advice, don't you think? Even though it was written so many years ago. When the time comes, this is the kind of man I want for my little girls. And I want my boys to be this kind of man.
May God grant it to be so.

Have a blessed day, friends.

Sharing today with Dawn.


16 comments:

  1. What wonderful advice! I enjoy the Adamses, especially Abigail. This book is on that "Someday, I'll read it ..." list. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I love Abigail, too, Dawn. She is one of my all-time favorite historical figures.
      Thanks for having the link-up. :)

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  2. terrific advice, indeed! You'll have a great time reading with your son; I treasure those opportunities now that my youngest son is 16. Oh, the conversations we have!
    xo Lisa

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    1. Right, Lisa. I wouldn't trade these years at home with my children for anything in this world! :)

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  3. This is a fabulous book, and my husband and I have both used it in the history classes we teach. Sadly, Nabby married a rake--a terrible man who left her in the midst of a health crisis. John Adams is one of the most underrated Presidents in the history of the office. McCulllough does a fabulous job capturing his contributions and his personality without the typical bias of today's historians. Blessings, Janis

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    1. I agree, Janis: her husband was a horrible one. And the more I read of this book, the more I admire John Adams. McCullough is an excellent author, and I hope to buy more of his books in the future.
      Thanks so much for visiting me today. :)

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  4. Lisa, be sure to try the Truman bio and 1776. Both are wonderful! I love your blog!

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  5. Thanks for the tips, Janis, and for the kind words. :)

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  6. My daughter read this book and loved it. I have not tackled it yet myself. Love this quote! And very timely as we were discussing John Adams over lunch today.

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping and commenting, Sharon.
      Have a lovely day!

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  7. Wonderful quote and what a wise dad!

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    1. Very wise indeed, Carol. Have a wonderful day!

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  8. Great book and wonderful advice!!

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    1. I agree, Anne. The more I read of this book, the harder it is to put it down. :)

      Have a fabulous Friday, my friend.

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  9. Hi Lisa,
    Nice to meet you over on my blog!
    This book is on my reading list, which is o. so. long. Great quote!!
    Bobby Jo
    www.wheretheblacktopends.weebly.com

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    1. My to-read list is long, too, Bobby Jo, and I will probably never read all the books on my list. This book wasn't on my list, but once I read the first few pages, I was hooked. :)
      Thanks for visiting me today.

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Thanks so much for stopping by. I love to hear from my readers, and your thoughts are welcome. And I try my best to respond to each and every comment. :)