Beginnings of Greatness

At it’s most humble beginnings what does greatness look like; could you identify it? Few recognize greatness as it is being forged. People assume the first steps towards greatness as something grand but usually are much more humble and often go unseen. At nine years of age watching Abraham Lincoln the boy few would know they were witnessing a future great leader. What does the beginnings of greatness look like?

On March 13, 2009 we first came together and saw that we were not alone. It was from this humble start that we went on and built something special. On 8/28 we traveled to the foot steps of Lincoln to meet again. As we stood in his shadow for many of you; that event changed your life. For those of us that were there, you felt something. We felt and knew we were part of something much bigger than we were and knew in our souls that there was a power that was unseen. Prepare to feel that again.

On 9-10-11 you can be part of the BEGINNINGS OF GREATNESS. Join us now at boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln and take the next step to forge greatness together as 9/12ers.

9-10-11 our 3rd annual “bring your own” picnic
Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek
12:30pm – 4:00pm
7120 Bardstown Road
Hodgenville, KY

Event will include: Bring your own blanket and lawn chairs and picnic lunches and enjoy great live entertainment, speakers, share in a special award presentation, some special surprises. More importantly celebrate our new beginnings and come together to keep this flame burning and have the opportunity to get to know your neighbor and meet other like minded 9/12ers from around the state.

This family friendly event will be absolutely FREE including no fee for admission thanks to the Kentucky 9/12 Project. Please consider being a part of history and this inspirational day. It may appear to be humble beginnings or unseen future but this day for each of us, this is the beginnings of greatness.

Back to School

It is not just time for our children to go back to school, let’s get inspired and do our part to get ourselves back into learning and growing and coming out together and discovering we are not alone.

We have had a good summer; we have now topped the 3,000 membership number and continue to grow the number of local groups. If you have taken the summer off let’s take this opportunity to get back together and get back into hitting the books. We must continue to grow our numbers and educate ourselves, our friends, and neighbors. We must increase knowledge of our founding principles and the freedom and prosperity that America has offered for over two centuries. We must restore our pride as a nation. We must restore our heritage, for it was and shall be the foundation of it all.

- One of the best things you can do is begin to self educate. Part of the first mission of “the Challenge”; (if you have not already finished, started, or getting ready to start) is reading the Federalist Papers or The Original Argument. This is a great place to begin your personal education.

If we are wanting to create leaders in ourselves, our marriages, our families, our communities, which will lead to developing statesmen, we must not only read to learn, but also read to empower, educate, and enlighten. We need to practice speaking about what we’re reading and then learn how to discuss, disagree, prove our point, be proven wrong and still stay joyful. You, me, our next-door neighbors, our friends, all play a part in our goal of restoring America back to the Principles and Values. Therefore, we need to create ‘safe’ zones of learning, questioning and debating. That ‘safe zone’ can be a local group or book club.

- There are 14 local 9/12 groups that meet around the state at least monthly; find one and be a part of it. You can’t find one in your area; you won’t have to sit and wait for the next meeting. YOU can be a part of planning it! Who knows the whats, wheres and whens of your community better than YOU? We will help you start your own local group or book club. You just need to let us know you are interested in helping put something together in your area.

(check our the calendar of events on the meetup page for current meetings: Meetup Calendar )

The BEES Know

A new an exciting book club focused on studying the works of classical and contemporary economic thinkers and learning, and sharing basic economic principles and theory will be holding their first meeting on September 28th and meeting all fall.

You are invited to join the Bluegrass Economic Education Society (BEES) in a new Economics Book Club. This Book Club will be open to the public.

The discussions of each work will be led by Dr. John Garen, Gatton Endowed Professor of Economics, University of Kentucky

First Meeting: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM in Room 324, Business and Economics (Gatton) Building, University of Kentucky

Location: 550 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY (Go to Parking Lot 5 at Limestone and Avenue of Champions, across the overhead walk, around Administration Drive to the Gatton Building)

Please send an email to Frank Byron at BEESociety@gmail.com to express interest and access the readings or with any questions.

Patriot Days - See it, Hear It, Live it

In 2009 we (Owensboro Liberty Book Club) organized our first Patriot Days near Owensboro, KY. We held it on July 2nd, Ratification Day, at a local collection of small cabins in a public park called Pioneer Village. We raised money in small donations, invited colonial living history folks, and otherwise begged, borrowed and stole everything we needed for that first 6 hour event. The goal was simple: celebrate our frontier and colonial heritage, and give as many kids as possible their own pocket Constitution. We handed out over 400 and didn’t charge a penny for any of our activities. It was an amazing day.

The Third Annual Patriot Days is fast approaching. We moved to September so that we could be during the school year and we are expanding to 3 days at the end of Constitution Week. Fundraising, though difficult at the best of times and especially in times like these, is strong. It will be enough no matter what we raise. We have formed a non-profit to improve Pioneer Village and I want to expand the programming to be a year-round affair. I want to make it a center for learning the principles of our frontier ancestors which, not coincidentally, are also the principles of our founding; Self-reliance, faith, charity, personal property and personal responsibility. These were things that made life in the New World possible and made us the great nation we would one day become. The Frontier was the anvil upon which the American Species was forged, and I know that if we can teach enough people these things they will make us great again. We will host classes on canning and agriculture, seminars on political science and history, anything that will continue to “spread the gospel according to James Madison”. Time seems so short, but it is the stand I have decided to make.

Yours, in Liberty
Sean Dysinger
Facilitator, The Liberty Book Club

See details at: Patriot Days - Third Annual

Patriot Days – Third Annual
When: 9/17/11-9/18/11
Where: Pioneer Village, Yellow Creek Park, 5710 Hwy 1, Daviess County KY
What: Patriot Days, now in its third year, is becoming western Kentucky’s premier living history festival that focuses on our Frontier and Colonial Heritage. Patriot Days seeks to celebrate the ideas behind the American founding in the context of the early American frontier, while maintaining awareness of our local art, agricultural, and cultural uniqueness. Click for schedule of events and more details

Freedom ~ Liberty Conference (Louisville)

Oct 7th & 8th
Ramada Plaza
9700 Bluegrass Parkway
Louisville, KY 40299

BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE purchase your tickets for the Freedom ~ Liberty Conference coming to Louisville on Oct 7th & 8th. This will be a full 1 ½ day experience with leaders and speakers from around the nation, lunch and dinner included, ability to learn and hear in breakout secessions from some of the top notch liberty organization from all over the country, and opportunity to connect with other groups and like minded people and discover real solutions you can take back home the next day. (Tickets will most likely sell out for this event so order before it is too late)

For only $78 you get opportunity to hear:
Andrew Breitbart (frequent guest on Fox News and other cable news broadcast, publisher of the news portals Breitbart.com and Breitbart.tv, and the news organization that first broke the Weinergate story);
Mandy Connell (currently may be heard daily from 9:00am - noon on 84WHAS out of Louisville)
Dick Armey (Served 18 years in the House of Representatives, In 2003 he joined FreedomWorks as their Chairman and leads a political revolution at the grassroots level)
Breakout sessions from national groups FreedomWorks, American Majority, National Center for Constitutional Studies, Dr Shannon Brooks (ReValue America), Heritage Ministries, and more....
We are even going to feed you, so add Lunch and Patriot’s Banquet and Dinner along with Friday Night Liberty Celebration all for just $78

Online event registration for Freedom Liberty Conference powered by Eventbrite

Discounted rooms have been secured at the Ramada Plaza for only $79.95 an evening. Please consider making it a weekend of fun, liberty, and learning and stay over with us by using code “FREEDOM / LIBERTY” when reserving your room to get your discounted rate.

9-10-11 3rd annual “bring your own” picnic

For the past couple of years injustices have fueled a revival of the new Liberty movement. One founded on principles and powered by people. We originally ask you to come together to see that you were not alone. I have news for you, millions of Americans have become part of this movement and we are now laying a new foundation for our children. Kentucky alone has grown to thousands and our mark is undeniable not only in our state and for the next generation in the Bluegrass but we have truly impacted the entire nation. Thank you….



On 9-10-11 in honor of all of you we will be celebrating our third annual Statewide Picnic. Come be part of an amazing day of fellowship at the humble boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln where we will once again stand in his shadow and forge the Beginnings of Greatness.




9-10-11 12:30pm – 4:00pm an informal “bring your own” picnic at
Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek
7120 Bardstown Road
Hodgenville, KY 42748

We will have the whole area around his boyhood home for the entire day. This is down the road from the "main" National Park known as the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Event will include: Beautiful venue with lawn area - bring your own blanket and lawn chairs and picnic lunches and enjoy great live entertainment, speakers, share in a special award presentation, some special surprises. In addition you will have the opportunity for tours of Lincoln’s Birthplace and a viewing of the History of Lincoln at the Lincoln Movie Theater. More importantly celebrate new beginnings and come together to keep this flame burning and have the opportunity to get to know your neighbor and meet other like minded 9/12ers from around the state. “And I will personally guarantee ONCE AGAIN lots of sunshine for the day.”

This family friendly event will be absolutely FREE including no fee for admission thanks to the Kentucky 9/12 Project. Please consider being a part of history and this inspirational day. The new Beginnings of Greatness.

Kentucky’s Restoring Courage

There comes a time when the right thing to do is to take a stand. When you are called it is not necessarily the most popular thing to do and but you do it because it is the right thing. It takes sacrifice, it takes courage, it takes honor, it takes passion – it takes YOU making a stand.

On the Saturday before Glenn Beck’s live event in Israel we will be coming together at our state’s capitol to show our personal solidarity for the Nation of Israel.

Please join us for Kentucky’s Restoring Courage event and in taking a peaceful stand of courage for Israel:
August 20th, 2011 at 2:08pm –4:00pm,
Steps of the Capital
Frankfort, Kentucky


We are extremely honored to host Laurie Cardoza Moore international spokesperson of Israel-Christian relations and founder of “Proclaiming Justice To the Nations” She is appeared on countless shows and is considered one of the primer experts and is extremely active for this cause and will be traveling to Israel for the largest inter-faith gathering held in Jerusalem at the Western Wall later this month. But we have the privilege to host her here first and have her be part of our historic event in Kentucky. http://www.pjtn.org

Additional speakers, special music, and other activities


This is an important moment in time where Kentuckians and others have been called to stand for a people in a nation whose land has endured many struggles of power, conquering battles, religious conflicts. Many enemies stand against Israel in attempt of denying her right to exist, with freedoms and peace. Israel is a special place where God declared his covenant, love and promise for all. Now, more importantly than ever, united together, take a courageous stand.

We cannot sit back anymore and do nothing! We must take a stand – WE MUST STAND WITH ISRAEL….

Other events:
Owensboro will have a Stand With Israel Event. Thursday, August 25th 6:30-8:30pm. Christ Community Church located at 1220 Center St. in Owensboro, KY. Join them for music, speakers, and fellowship.

Many Local viewing parties are being planned around the state in places like Danville among others. Find or schedule a local viewing party for Glenn Beck’s live simulcast from Israel on August 24th Details and locations can be found at:http://www.glennbeck.com/israel/

Finally we would “LIKE” you to follow us on Facebook at: Kentuckians Stand With Israel

Do not buy this book; TODAY!

The 9/12 Project is devoted to inspiring individuals and groups to connect their communities through education, service, and dedication to its nine fundamental principles and twelve core values. In doing so, the 9/12 Project reminds us of the people we were the day after September 11, 2001 when we came together as Americans. From its inception to its current state, the 9/12 Project has gained strength by reinforcing that we will be the key—people who have triumphs, discover who they are, make mistakes, and find the courage to continue and to create change.

I AM A PROUD 9/12er!!

This Monday, September 12th let’s send a message that we will not forget who we are and that the 9/12 Project message rings even louder today.

‘We Surround Them: Our Journey from Apathy to Action’ is the inspirational book of part of the 9/12 Project story and its humble beginning, its frenzied progress, and its uplifting journey. You can own this piece of history and read this incredible book for yourself.

But please do not buy this book today.

We want your help to show the strength of the 9/12 movement and give you a special opportunity to own this story that is sure to leave its mark on history. On Monday September 12th (9/12) we want everyone’s help to push this book’s one day’s rankings to be one of Amazon’s top 100 books and show the power of the 9/12 Project. To help, on Monday this book will be available for only $9.12 (almost 40% off originally listed price).

Please we need your help. We need a big single day push. Go online Monday and consider purchasing this book. If you already own one consider purchasing another for a friend or family member. Buy a few for your local group and pass them out to inspire others to get involved. For less than $10 each we can push this story about the 9/12 Project as one of the top books and show that WE SURROUND THEM.

Please pass this on to your local chapters or groups and get the message out to not buy this book today – but get everyone on board MONDAY to own this slice of history, buy an truly inspirational story, and together again see that we are not alone.


Title: We Surround Them: Our Journey from Apathy to Action
Authored by J Eric Wilson with R Justen Collins
With Foreword by Yvonne Donnelly (National Director The 9/12 Project)
ISBN/EAN13: 0615446752 / 9780615446752
Available at: Amazon.com

Vacation Liberty School gets national pub

Well there you go again…..

History does repeat itself. Seems last year about this time we were seeing the launch of Vacation Liberty School with its first successful pilot program in Georgetown KY. A year later Lisa & Jeff Abler have grown the program and curriculum and it is now being implanted nationwide.

It seems last year about this time we were reading about Vacation Liberty Schools in papers across the country as it developed into an overnight phenomenon; and we watched as Glenn Beck gave a heart felt thank you to the Kentucky 9/12 Project and Lisa & Jeff Abler for helping educating the next possible George Washington. A year later the national Associate Press runs a second story on VLS and now:
- Louisville Currier Journal a very good story
- glennbeck.com Top story on Monday
- the blaze, and the Firewire newsletter Does their own story and highlights as Inspirational
- USA Today Tuesday edition in thge Our Nation section of thier paper
- Wallbuilders Live Radio Lisa is interviewed by David Barton

Congratulations to Danville 9/12 Project for a well run VLS and the many volunteers for helping make it possible. Thank you and congratulations to Lisa & Jeff Abler for putting together this amazing program and helping pass the torch of liberty to the next generation.

To everyone else take a moment and be proud to be a 9/12er because this is who we are and because of the influence we are now beginning to have on our children and grandchildren; and be proud to be a Kentucky 9/12er that is the frontrunner of many of these programs and the model for other groups to follow. You deserve all the credit and headlines we receive nationally.

Third Annual Statewide 9/12 Picnic - Beginnings of Greatness

On 9-10-11 at the humble boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln we will once again stand in his shadow and forge the Beginnings of Greatness.


We too were founded in humble beginnings and for the past couple of years injustices have forged a revival of a new Liberty movement. One founded on principles and powered by people. We originally ask you to come together to see that you were not alone. I have news for you, close to a million Americans have become part of this movement and we are now laying a new foundation for our children. Kentucky alone has grown to thousands and our mark is undeniable not only in our state and for the next generation but we have truly impacted the entire nation. Thank you…. Let’s celebrate once again who we are and have become as 9/12ers.

On 9-10-11 in honor of all of you we will be celebrating our third annual Statewide Picnic. Come be part of an amazing day of fellowship at the boyhood home of Lincoln.

9-10-11 12:30pm – 4:00pm an informal “bring your own” picnic at
Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek
7120 Bardstown Road
Hodgenville, KY 42748

We will have the whole area around his boyhood home for the entire day. This is down the road from the "main" National Park known as the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Event will include: Beautiful venue with lawn area - bring your own blanket and lawn chairs and picnic lunches and enjoy great live entertainment, speakers, share in a special award presentation, some special surprises. In addition you will have the opportunity for tours of Lincoln’s Birthplace and a viewing of the History of Lincoln at the Lincoln Movie Theater. More importantly celebrate new beginnings and come together to keep this flame burning and have the opportunity to get to know your neighbor and meet other like minded 9/12ers from around the state. “And I will personally guarantee ONCE AGAIN lots of sunshine for the day.”

This family friendly event will be absolutely FREE including no fee for admission thanks to the Kentucky 9/12 Project. Please consider being a part of history and this inspirational day. The new Beginnings of Greatness.

Bluegrass Institute brings Brad Lips to Versailles, KY

Atlas Economic Research Foundation's CEO and Freedom Champions author, Brad Lips to visit Kentucky

Versailles Freedom Center (In historic downtown Versailles)
144 Lexington Street
Versailles, KY
Tuesday, August 09, 2011 from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (ET)


The Bluegrass Institute cordially invites you to an evening reception with Brad Lips, CEO of the Atlas Economic Research Foundation on Tuesday, August 9th. He'll be discussing leading for liberty and a new book by the Atlas Foundation, Freedom Champions. Please RSVP to by July 29 as space is limited. RSVP here on line or for more information contact Kelly Smith at ksmith@freedomkentucky.com or 859-576-1920.

*Street level parking is available

Event Registration Online for Brad Lips, CEO of the Atlas Economic Research Foundation powered by Eventbrite

Kentuckians stand with Israel

If God be for us…. Who can stand against us….

On the Saturday before Glenn Beck’s live event in Israel we will be coming together at our state’s capitol to show our personal solidarity for the Nation of Israel. This is in addition to the simulcast on 8/24 and we ask you to be part of this historic event.

Please join us in taking a peaceful stand of courage for Israel on
Steps of the Capital
August 20th, 2011 at 2:08pm –4:00pm,
Frankfort, Kentucky


Special guest speakers:
Laurie Cardoza Moore Founder of "Proclaiming Justice to the Nations"
http://www.pjtn.org
and Louie E. Johnston Jr.
www.ChristianPatriots.us

Additional speakers, special music, and other activities



This is an important moment in time where Kentuckians and others have been called to stand for a people in a nation whose land has endured many struggles of power, conquering battles, religious conflicts. Many enemies stand against Israel in attempt of denying her right to exist, with freedoms and peace. Israel is a special place where God declared his covenant, love and promise for all. Now, more importantly than ever, united together, take a courageous stand.

We cannot sit back anymore and do nothing! We must take a stand – WE MUST STAND WITH ISRAEL….

Other events:
Owensboro will have a Stand With Israel Event. Thursday, August 25th 6:30-8:30pm. Christ Community Church located at 1220 Center St. in Owensboro, KY. Join them for music, speakers, and fellowship.

Many Local viewing parties are being planned around the state in places like Danville among others. Find or schedule a local viewing party for Glenn Beck’s live simulcast from Israel on August 24th Details and locations can be found at: http://restoringcourageus.org/ and http://www.glennbeck.com/israel/

Finally we would “LIKE” you to follow us on Facebook at: Kentuckians Stand With Israel