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'Abraham Lincoln's Daily Treasure'

[FEB. 19, 2003]  ^"Abraham Lincoln's Daily Treasure: Moments of Faith With America's Favorite President." Edited by Thomas Freiling, Fleming H. Revell Publishing, 2002, 272 pages.

During a conversation with Gen. Daniel Sickles, Abraham Lincoln remarked, "I talk to God because my mind is relieved when I do."

In his new book "Abraham Lincoln's Daily Treasure," editor Thomas Freiling writes, "I offer the reader daily doses of Abraham Lincoln's spiritual and moral axioms equaling a year's worth of godly advice from America's greatest president." The collection is based on a 19th-century devotional book titled "The Believer's Daily Treasure," which was used by Lincoln.

Freiling's work does not purport to analyze the religious views of America's 16th president. Rather, the editor examines the impact of the Bible's guidance and wisdom on a man whose life was marked by poverty, lack of formal education, business failures and loss of loved ones. It is from these difficult circumstances that Lincoln was shaped in part by his devotion to the word of God and its guiding influence on everyday affairs.

The following is a small sample of some of Lincoln's favorite Scriptures as well as editor Freiling's comments and interpretations:

"This Too Shall Pass Away"

"My times are in thy hand … Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake." -- Psalm 31:15-16.

Although his friends considered Lincoln's congressional defeat by Stephen A. Douglas a setback, Lincoln himself remained upbeat and optimistic. He paraphrased biblical scripture and counseled his friends to "persevere because all bad things eventually pass."

"Be Brave"

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." -- Ephesians 6:16

During Lincoln's service as a soldier in the Black Hawk War, he saved the life of an Indian who had entered camp with a paper of safe conduct. When the other soldiers wanted to kill the Indian, Lincoln stood firm and kept the men from murdering the visitor. This was an early example of Lincoln's bravery and his belief in standing firm for one's convictions.

"Admit When You're Wrong"

"Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." -- Psalm 32:11

Lincoln was known as "Honest Abe" partly because he was never ashamed to admit when he was wrong. "If I have made any assertion not warranted by facts, and it is pointed out to me, I will withdraw it cheerfully," he once remarked.

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"Hold Your Temper"

"Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." -- 2 Timothy 2:19

Self-control and an even temperament were two of Lincoln's most important characteristics during his presidency. He believed that anyone who was quarrelsome and prone to lose his temper was wasting his time and energy.

"Be Determined"

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." -- Matthew 11:28

Lincoln believed that the cause of the Union during the Civil War was just and righteous. It was this belief that Lincoln would draw upon to encourage the soldiers and citizens during the war's darkest hours. "Let none falter who thinks he is right," he told the soldiers. "If God be for you, who can be against you?"

"Do Unto Others, Even Adversaries"

"The righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger." -- Job 17:9

In Lincoln's mind, forgiving both friends and enemies meant the same thing. Freiling points out that the issue to Lincoln was not "friend or enemy" but "about you and how you would like to be treated." This attitude is considered by many to be the cornerstone of what would have been Lincoln's treatment of the defeated Confederacy after the Civil War.

Thomas Freiling's "Abraham Lincoln's Daily Treasure" offers an extraordinary glimpse into the mind, beliefs and feelings of one of America's greatest presidents. Freiling's insightful commentary adds a fresh perspective to the essential components of Lincoln's character. This book is recommended to everyone interested in the life of Abraham Lincoln.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

• Lincoln Community Theatre

• Logan County Arts Association

Lincoln College presents 'Orpheus Descending'

[FEB. 12, 2003]  Lincoln College Theatre Department will present the drama "Orpheus Descending" Feb. 20-23 at the Johnston Center for Performing Arts on the college campus.

"Orpheus Descending," by master playwright Tennessee Williams, is an adaptation of the Greek myth Orpheus, set in the 20th century. It tells the story of a young man who must rescue his love from the pits of modern urban violence and gossip, as opposed to mythological Hades. The play can be described as pleasant and philosophical.

Show time is at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20; Friday, Feb. 21; and Saturday, Feb. 22; with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23.

Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $3 for children and senior citizens. To reserve tickets call (217) 732-3155, Ext. 280, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

[Lincoln College press release]

Concert will feature winners of concerto-aria contest

[JAN. 29, 2003]  NORMAL -- Five Illinois State University School of Music students won the school's concerto-aria competition Jan. 22 and will be featured performers in a March 5 concert at 8 p.m. in the Center for the Performing Arts

Jurors in the competition were Roger Garrett and Linda Farquahson of Illinois Wesleyan University.

This year's winners are junior trumpeter Ryan Elliot of Saginaw, Mich., representing the brass area; master's degree student and pianist Kristof Kovacs of Budapest, Hungary, representing the keyboard area; Ying Wang, a master's degree student and cellist from Beijing, China, representing the string area; senior baritone vocalist Kevin Prina of Washington, representing the voice area; and piccolo player Megan Lomonof, a senior from Oak Lawn, representing the woodwind area.

Earning honorable mentions in the competition were violist Colleen Kuraszek, a freshman from Lake in the Hills, and flutist Elizabet Varga, a master's degree student from Bloomington.

The concert March 5 will spotlight the five winners. They will perform individually with the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Glenn Block, director of orchestras. The orchestra also will play Bernstein's overture to "Candide."

[News release]

LCT 2003 season

[DEC. 9, 2002]  Lincoln Community Theatre is pleased to announce three productions selected for the summer of 2003.

Kicking off the 32nd season of live theater for the Lincoln community will be the hilarious musical "Nuncrackers." This fun-filled show is a continuation of the antics of the dauntless, darling nuns of Mount St. Helen's Convent who delighted Lincoln audiences in the "Nunsense" series several summers ago. Audience participation, one-liners, a rum-soaked fruitcake, dueling sugar plum fairies and dear Sister Amnesia will definitely start the summer theatrical season with humor and fun.

The July production, "Steel Magnolias," is one of our best ensemble productions. The familiar, bittersweet story touches all the emotional peaks and valleys of life in a small Southern community. From wise-cracking Truvy to unsure Annelle, the characters in this poignant play promise to touch everyone with both laughter and tears.

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Ending the season on a patriotic note, LCT's final production of the summer will be "1776," a stirring, yet humorous musical featuring a large cast representing our founding fathers. Humor abounds with fast-paced dialogue involving Ben Franklin, Henry Lee and other early congressional characters, along with catchy, patriotic music.

To kick off the holiday season, Lincoln Community Theatre is offering holiday gift certificates for season memberships for the summer 2003 season. Certificates can be mailed directly to the receiver or to the gift giver. Certificates for adult memberships are $20 each, and those for children through eighth grade are $12 each. Requests for gift certificates may be sent to LCT, Box 374, Lincoln, IL 62656. Further information is available at (217) 732-7542 or by visiting the LCT website, www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre.

[Judy Rader, LCT publicity chairman]

Lincoln Community Theatre's box office, phone 735-2614,  is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday for the summer season. The office is located in the lobby of the Johnston Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of Lincoln College.

Performances of "Dearly Departed" are scheduled for July 12-20, and "The King and I" will be presented Aug. 2-10. Show times are 2 p.m. on Sundays and 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The LCT mailing address is Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656; e-mail: lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com.

Visit the LDC website at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html. Pictures from past productions are included.

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