Summer’s Way: A Haiku Series

Blazing summer daysThe cool breeze a friendly kissSoothing to the soul Hot and rainy boutsA humid embrace lays lowFilling up the air Warmth touches my soulEach day a soothing retreatThe sun on my skin Life is fully grownSpring’s cheer has delivered muchNow we witness joy All is as should beTime passes ever onwardMarching with theContinue reading “Summer’s Way: A Haiku Series”

The Sword of the Cross

This weekend was the 810th anniversary of the Battle of Las Navas De Tolosa. On July 16th, 1212, the Reconquista defeated the Muslim invaders of Spain and marked a turning point in the liberation of the country. Spain had been occupied by Muslim slavers for five centuries, with a small resistance movement slowly taking backContinue reading “The Sword of the Cross”

Historical Events: The Third Great Awakening

The Third Great Awakening was a global religious revival beginning in the United States. The movement lasted from 1855-1930. The focus of the revival was briefly altered by the American Civil War, but the movement was not halted. The Third Great Awakening can be recognized as a distinct social movement from the Second Great Awakening,Continue reading “Historical Events: The Third Great Awakening”

Historical Events: The Second Great Awakening

The Second Great Awakening was a major religious revival in the United States which took place between 1795-1835, spreading to Britain in the final phase. Prominent figures of the Second Great Awakening including individuals such as Barton Stone and Charles Finney, among others. The Second Great Awakening saw many uneducated believers take on leadership roles,Continue reading “Historical Events: The Second Great Awakening”

Historical Events: The First Great Awakening

The First Great Awakening was a spiritual revival which began as early as the 1720s in England and the Colonies, continuing on to as late as the 1760s. The movement is primarily recognized as having taken place in the 1730s and 1740s. Prominent figures in the First Great Awakening included George Whitefield, John Wesley, andContinue reading “Historical Events: The First Great Awakening”

Heroes From History: Johnny Clem

John Lincoln Clem – commonly known as “Johnny Clem” – was a veteran of the American Civil War and one of the youngest participants of the conflict to engage in combat. He was originally born John Joseph Klem on August 13, 1851, but would later change his name and take on several nicknames. The AmericanContinue reading “Heroes From History: Johnny Clem”

Battle at the End of the World

After learning about the Battle of Guningtou, I felt inspired by the story of the “Bear of Kinmen” and the harrowing tale of this triumph over great evil in such a dark hour. Given I was very busy this weekend, I felt it would be a good chance to write a poem in honor ofContinue reading “Battle at the End of the World”

Historical Events: The Battle of Guningtou

The Battle of Guningtou on October 25, 1949 was a pivotal moment in history which restored the crippled morale of the Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) forces of the Republic of China (ROC) in their fight against the dark tide of communism during the Chinese Civil War. The ROC, commonly referred to today as Taiwan, managed toContinue reading “Historical Events: The Battle of Guningtou”

Heroes From History: William Eaton

William Eaton was a U.S. Army officer who led an expedition of U.S. Marines and hired mercenaries to Derna, Tripoli during the First Barbary War in 1805. He was the first American to lead forces into battle on foreign soil and raise the American Flag in victory over the enemies of the United States. WilliamContinue reading “Heroes From History: William Eaton”