Sure Things: ________________________ and Taxes.

 

An Analysis of Hebrews 9:27:

Verse: "And as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment," (Hebrews 9:27)

Context: This verse appears in the Book of Hebrews, a letter aimed at Jewish Christians struggling with their new faith. The author uses the Old Testament sacrificial system as an analogy to explain the superiority of Christ's sacrifice. In chapters 8 and 9, he argues that Christ's one-time sacrifice on the cross was sufficient for the forgiveness of sins, unlike the repeated animal sacrifices required under the Old Covenant.

Key Points:

• Mortality: The verse emphasizes the universal human experience of death – it is "appointed," meaning ordained or decreed. This statement resonates with the Jewish audience familiar with the concept of God's sovereignty.
• Judgment: After death comes judgment. This implies accountability for one's actions during life. While the verse doesn't specify the nature of the judgment, it conveys a sense of seriousness and consequence.
• Analogy: This verse serves as an analogy to strengthen the author's point about Christ's sacrifice. Just as humans die once, Christ died once as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. Both events have ultimate consequences – death leads to judgment, and Christ's sacrifice offers redemption.

Interpretations:

• Christian: Interpreted as supporting the belief in an afterlife judgment, with Christ's sacrifice offering reconciliation with God and salvation from ultimate condemnation.
• Universalist: Some argue this verse refers to a personal evaluation of one's life rather than a final judgment by God.
• Agnostic/Atheist: Viewed as a reflection of ancient beliefs about death and judgment, not necessarily representing universal truths.

Further Considerations:

• The verse doesn't explicitly mention heaven or hell, leaving its specifics open to interpretation.
• The concept of judgment raises questions about its nature, criteria, and timing, which remain debated within various theological frameworks.
• The verse carries significant emotional weight, reminding readers of their mortality and the importance of living a meaningful life.

Conclusion:

Hebrews 9:27 offers a concise statement about human mortality and its consequences. While interpretations vary, its core message emphasizes the finality of death and the significance of Christ's sacrifice in the Christian worldview. Ultimately, the verse invites reflection on how individuals choose to live in light of their understanding of death and judgment.

Why is Easter on different days each year

 

Easter falls on different days each year, unlike holidays like Christmas that have a fixed date. This has to do with how Easter is determined and its historical connection to other events. Here's the breakdown:

1. Connecting to Passover: Early Christians linked Easter to the Jewish holiday of Passover, which celebrates the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt. This association is because Jesus's last supper, and consequently his crucifixion, happened during Passover. However, Passover itself doesn't have a fixed date on the solar calendar because it follows the lunar cycle.

2. Spring Equinox and Full Moon: In the 4th century, the Council of Nicaea tried to standardize the way Easter is calculated. They linked it to the spring equinox (around March 20th/21st) and the first full moon after that. This created a "movable feast" as the full moon doesn't always fall on the same day relative to the equinox.

3. Different Dates for Different Churches: Unfortunately, even after Nicaea, there were inconsistencies in how the full moon and equinox were calculated. This led to a split between Western and Eastern churches. Currently, most Western churches use the Gregorian calendar while Eastern churches follow the Julian calendar, resulting in occasional differences in their Easter dates.

4. Fixed Range, But Still Mobile: Combining these factors, Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th. It might seem arbitrary, but the tradition holds historical significance and connects Easter to Passover and the spring season.

I hope this explanation clarifies why Easter moves around the calendar!

40 Years is a long time for an 18 year old!

 

It Matters

 

Tell me about Sherman Hammons

 Sherman Hammons (1903-1988) was an accomplished singer and fiddler, known for his traditional Appalachian style. His music is part of a rich cultural heritage, representing an ancient repertoire of the Appalachian region. Recordings of his work, such as "Sourwood Mountain" and "Christmas Morning," have been preserved and are available for public enjoyment, though they are not intended for commercial use

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. The Hammons family, to which Sherman belonged, is recognized for their musical talents and has been celebrated by the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame

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what is the traditional appalachian style of music

Traditional Appalachian music is a rich and diverse genre that has its roots in the cultural traditions of various groups, including Anglo-Celtic immigrants, African Americans, and to a lesser extent, Continental Europeans. This genre primarily emerged from the Appalachian region of the Eastern United States and is characterized by its use of specific instruments, such as the fiddle, banjo, guitar, Appalachian dulcimer, and autoharp

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. The music itself is largely based on Anglo-Celtic folk ballads and instrumental dance tunes, which were brought to America by immigrants. These ballads were often sung unaccompanied, typically by women, and served as a means of preserving the cultural heritage of families. The instrumental dance tunes, on the other hand, were primarily for entertainment and social gatherings

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. Appalachian music also incorporates elements from African American music styles, including blues, which have significantly influenced its development. This blend of cultural influences has resulted in a unique musical style that has contributed to the formation of several other genres, including country music, bluegrass, and rock n' roll

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. The traditional music of Appalachia has evolved over time, with "old-time" music representing a blend of the original Anglo-Celtic traditions with parlor and vaudeville music, African-American styles, and Minstrel Show tunes. Despite changes in popularity and the commercial music industry, traditional Appalachian music has been kept alive through community events such as Fiddlers' Conventions, house parties, and back-porch jams

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. Instruments play a crucial role in defining the sound of Appalachian music. The fiddle often takes the melodic lead in old-time music, while modern bluegrass tends to feature the banjo or mandolin more prominently. Guitars are typically used for rhythm, alongside the bass, and percussion is seldom present

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. Overall, traditional Appalachian music is a testament to the cultural melting pot of the United States, showcasing the blending of various musical traditions and influences to create a distinctive and enduring genre

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Common instruments used in Appalachian music include:

• Fiddle (Violin): A stringed instrument that plays a central role in Appalachian music, often leading melodies in both old-time and bluegrass styles
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• Banjo: A key instrument in Appalachian music, known for its distinctive twang and often used to provide rhythmic and melodic patterns
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• Guitar: Introduced later into the genre, the guitar is primarily used for rhythm, accompanying the fiddle and banjo
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• Appalachian Dulcimer (Mountain Dulcimer): A fretted string instrument that is played on the lap, unique to the Appalachian region and used for melody and harmony
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• Autoharp: A stringed instrument with a series of chord bars attached to dampers, which mute all the strings other than those that form the desired chord, adding a harmonic layer to the music
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• Spoons: A percussion instrument made from two ordinary spoons held back to back and struck together, or against various parts of the body, to produce a rhythmic sound
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• Washtub Bass: A simple, homemade bass instrument made from a metal washtub, which serves as the resonator for a single string attached to a stick or pole, used to provide bass lines
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• Mountain Dulcimer: Similar to the Appalachian dulcimer, emphasizing its role in the traditional music of the region
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• Mandolin: A stringed instrument that adds a bright, percussive sound, often used in bluegrass, which is a derivative of Appalachian music
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• Psaltery: A less common, ancient instrument, included in broader discussions of Appalachian music for its historical significance
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• Washboard: A percussion instrument made from a corrugated metal washboard, played by rubbing or tapping the fingers or thimbles against it to produce sound
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These instruments reflect the cultural melting pot of Appalachia, incorporating elements from various traditions brought by immigrants and influenced by the region's history and geography

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The banjo has a rich history in Appalachian music, having been originally brought to America by enslaved Africans. Before the Civil War, the banjo was a popular instrument for both white and black musicians living in the Appalachian mountain region, often paired with the fiddle. The banjo's physical structure evolved over time, and it became widely accepted by all Southerners. Today, the two most popular banjos are the resonator banjo, often called the bluegrass banjo, and the open-back banjo, sometimes referred to as the old-time banjo. The banjo's introduction to North America during the slave trade led to its quick integration into the existing Scotch, Irish, English, and Germanic cultures of Southern Appalachia

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. The banjo's presence in the region can be traced back to the 18th century, and its influence on the development of Appalachian music has been significant. The instrument's history is intertwined with the cultural exchange and blending of musical traditions, making it a fundamental component of the distinctive sound of Appalachian music

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Some famous Appalachian musicians known for their mastery of the banjo include:

• Earl Scruggs: A pioneering figure in bluegrass music, Scruggs developed a distinctive three-finger picking style that has had a profound influence on the genre. His innovative techniques brought the banjo to the forefront of bluegrass music
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• Charlie Poole: An influential figure in early 20th-century country and old-time music, Poole's style and recordings have left a lasting impact on the banjo's role in Appalachian music
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• Snuffy Jenkins: Credited with pioneering the three-finger banjo picking style that Earl Scruggs would later popularize, Jenkins was a key figure in the development of bluegrass music
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• Raymond Fairchild: Born in Cherokee in 1939, Fairchild is known for his fast and intricate banjo playing. He has been a world-famous banjo picker since the 1970s, making significant contributions to the Appalachian music scene
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• Fiddlin' John Carson: One of the early recorded Appalachian musicians, Carson's work in the 1920s helped popularize old-time music, with the banjo playing a central role in his recordings
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• Bascom Lamar Lunsford: Known as the "Minstrel of the Appalachians," Lunsford was instrumental in the preservation and promotion of Appalachian music and culture, including the banjo
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• Dock Boggs: A prominent figure in the old-time music scene, Boggs' unique banjo playing style and haunting vocals have made him a legendary figure in Appalachian music
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These musicians have contributed significantly to the evolution and popularity of the banjo in Appalachian music, each bringing their unique styles and techniques to the instrument

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Some famous Appalachian music duos or groups include:

• The Carter Family: A renowned American folk music group that formed in the 1920s, known for their influence on country music and their contributions to the Appalachian music tradition
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• Rising Appalachia: An American Appalachian folk music group led by multi-instrumentalist sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith. Their music is deeply rooted in the landscapes of Atlanta, New Orleans, and the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia
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• Mandolin Orange: An earnest Americana duo known for their contributions to the Appalachian music genre, blending various musical influences in their work
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These duos and groups have made significant contributions to the preservation and evolution of the Appalachian music tradition, showcasing a diverse range of styles and influences within the genre

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Mountain Musician

Dwight Diller (August 17, 1946 – February 14, 2023) was a distinguished American musician and educator, celebrated for his mastery and preservation of traditional Appalachian old-time music, particularly from West Virginia. His expertise was most notably recognized in the clawhammer style of banjo playing, though he was also proficient with the fiddle. Diller's contributions to music were deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of his home region, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, where he was born and raised amidst the mountain culture of east-central West Virginia. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers of the area, which significantly influenced his early interest in the region's traditional stories and music

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. Diller's approach to teaching and playing music was deeply holistic, emphasizing not just the technical aspects of music but also its cultural context and the profound emotional and rhythmic foundations that give old-time music its distinctive power and appeal. He believed in the importance of understanding the music's background, including the silence, rhythm, and cultural context, which he argued were crucial to bringing the music to life and making it "breathe"

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. Diller's teaching philosophy was encapsulated in his efforts to reveal the "background" of the music, striving to teach his students the deeper, more poignant aspects of the tradition that are often overlooked in conventional music education

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. Throughout his career, Diller was recognized for his dedication to preserving and teaching the traditional music of West Virginia. He received The Vandalia Award in May 2019, West Virginia’s highest folklife honor, acknowledging his significant contributions as a historian, philosopher, Mennonite pastor, and musician

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. Diller's influence extended beyond his local community through banjo workshops conducted across the United States and in England, as well as through a number of recordings and instructional videos that have been widely disseminated

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. Diller's work was not only about preserving the music of the past but also about ensuring its vitality for future generations. He was involved in various projects aimed at identifying, preserving, and propagating the cultural heritage of the Appalachian region, including developing and publishing media related to Appalachian arts, crafts, and music, and sponsoring events that further these cultural traditions

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. Dwight Diller passed away on February 14, 2023, after a fall at his home. His legacy, however, continues through the countless students he taught, the music he preserved and shared, and the profound impact he had on the appreciation and understanding of Appalachian old-time music

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The Friel Family

 

• Jeremiah Friel was a descendant of Daniel O'Friel, who immigrated to Augusta County, Virginia from Ireland in 1740.
• Jeremiah Friel had a wife named Alma Brown and they had nine children: Joseph, Daniel, Josiah, John, Catherine, Hannah, Ellen, Mary, and Jennie.
• Jeremiah Friel's first home was on Cannich Ridge, and then he moved to the Greenbrier River.
• Daniel O'Friel, Jeremiah Friel's father, seems to have been a person of considerable means. He sold his property for Continental money, with a view of settling in Kentucky. However, the money was repudiated and he was unable to carry out his plans.
• Upon Jacob Warwick's invitation, Jeremiah O'Friel came to Clover Lick. Mr Warwick gave him land on Canicb Ridge. This land was exchanged with Sampson Matthews, Senior, for lands on Greenbrier, now occupied in part by his descendants.

The McCollams of Brown's Mountain

 

 

Daniel McCollam is a historical figure associated with Pocahontas County. He married Anna Sharp, the daughter of John Sharp, a pioneer of Frost, and initially settled there

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. Around 1770, he moved near Brown's Mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia

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. Later, he relocated to Lewis County and settled on Leading Creek

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. Further details about his arrival or his activities in Pocahontas County are not provided in the search results.

Reasons for choosing West Virginia: What drew the McCollam family to this specific location? Was it land availability, proximity to relatives, or other factors?

• Ancestry: The McCollam family is believed to be of Scotch-Irish descent, with the pioneer ancestor arriving in West Virginia from New Jersey around 1770.
• Early Settlement: The family settled on Brown's Mountain and established themselves in the Randolph County area.

Land Availability:

• West Virginia (then part of Virginia) offered vast tracts of fertile land available for homesteading at relatively low costs compared to more established colonies. This could have been a significant draw for the McCollam family, especially if they were farmers or seeking new economic opportunities.

Proximity to Relatives:

• The excerpt mentions the McCollam family potentially having relatives in New Hampshire. While distant, it's possible they chose West Virginia due to its relative proximity compared to other frontier regions, allowing them to maintain some connection.

Religious Freedom:

• Scotch-Irish immigrants often faced religious persecution in their homelands. West Virginia, with its diverse religious landscape, offered more tolerance than some other colonies, which could have attracted the McCollams if they were seeking religious freedom.

Economic Opportunities:

• The region offered various opportunities beyond farming, such as fur trading, logging, and salt production. These possibilities could have enticed the McCollams, especially if they possessed specific skills or desired a different livelihood.

Following Migration Trends:

• Many Scotch-Irish immigrants settled in western Pennsylvania and then migrated further south along the Appalachian Mountains. West Virginia might have been a natural progression along this established migration route.

Personal Reasons:

• There could be more personal reasons not mentioned in the excerpt. Perhaps the McCollams had prior connections to the area, knew someone who had already settled there, or were simply drawn to the natural beauty and resources of the region.

Further Research:

• To pinpoint the exact reasons, you might need to consult additional sources like:
  • Family histories or letters: Personal accounts might mention motivations for the move.
  • County records: Deeds, land grants, or tax records could indicate the family's economic situation and land acquisition.
  • Historical accounts of Scotch-Irish migration: Understanding broader migration patterns could provide clues about their motivations.