Author Archives: bigskybuckeye

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About bigskybuckeye

Born in the Big Sky Country of Montana and now living in the Buckeye State of Ohio, Richard is the creative mind behind Big Sky Buckeye. Retired after 40 years of teaching, I enjoy writing, photography, traveling, and following a healthy lifestyle.

Breath of Repentance

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From Joel 2:1:  “Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain!  Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near.”

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Living in shadows of darkness

Lost in depths of hope’s despair

Looking upward to heavens

Light gathers from daily prayer

 

Hearing call of Zion’s trumpet

Trust found on wilderness road

Returning to walk with Christ

Heart gathers His grace to reload

 

Following hope-filled voice of Christ

Faith’s gathered army of One

Witnessing forgiving light

Darkness flees before Father’s Son

 

Gathering to witness mercy

Truth received from Christ’s own hands

Abounding with steadfast love

Peace nourishes each grain of sand

 

Raising hope’s breath of repentance

Calvary’s transforming night

Pouring from Spirit’s waters

Christ returning with gathered light

 

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From Joel 2:13:  “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from punishment.”

From My Journal (2/18)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

The positive light of repentance can be difficult to fathom when darkness has ruled a heart for so long.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated February 18)

William Cowper Quote

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Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.

From Ephesians 6:18:  “Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication.  To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.”

William Cowper (1731-1800) was an English poet and hymn writer.

Welcome to My Writer’s Corner

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Writer's Notebook

Do you enjoy writing or reading poetry?  Most of the posts on Big Sky Buckeye are filled with poetry, but I also share short stories, photography, and a few surprises along the way.  You are invited to sit a spell and find something you like.  I enjoy sharing my curiosity through my writing.  You are welcome to like, comment, follow, share, or reblog a post.

Featured Post

Today’s faith-based poem opens with the season of Lent.  Ash Wednesday is the recognized beginning of this time in the western Christian church.  Thank you for stopping by, and you are encouraged to read more from Breath of Repentance.

My writing is supplemented by maintaining an active journal, which gathers thoughts from my Bible reading as well as sampling other bloggers’ posts.  Daily entries found in  From My Journal contain reflections about faith, life, and community for February 18.

You are invited to read a quote, updated on February 18 which features inspiration from the words of English poet and hymn writer William Cowper.  His thoughts emphasize the dynamics of prayer.

Here’s my Baker’s Dozen, featuring 13 of my recent writings from the past couple of weeks.  Each post is linked to take you right to its location.  Other poems, short stories, and feature writings can be found in the archives (found at the top of the page), which will be updated frequently with past selections.  Enjoy!

Searching for Spring (Haiku Series #365)

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Not Quite Yet

Frozen tundra’s cold

Fireplace consumes final log—

When will winter end?

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Calendar’s Frozen Page

Sunny skies, all blue

Winter’s Arctic deception—

Days of lasting chills

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Perhaps Now

Warm, westerly winds

Chinook’s welcome arrival—

Winter’s escape plan

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From My Journal (2/17)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

A writer’s journey with words will take him through a hallmark of seasons.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated February 17)

Marian Anderson Quotes

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The minute a person whose word means a great deal dares to take the open-hearted and courageous way, many others will follow.

We are all here to have a kind of living of our own and to be recognized for what we are.

Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was an American contralto whose deep, rich voice presented a variety of music from opera to spirituals. She performed in many venues in both Europe and the United States for nearly 40 years.

Monday Memories: Worthy Soldier

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From 2 Timothy 2:3-4: “Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer.”

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Born as blessed children of God

Learning the Bible’s sacred truth

Strong in grace of Savior Jesus

Worthy soldier matures from youth

 

Listening to God’s witnesses

Faithful, Godly people speaking

Maturing in Father’s Spirit

Daily blessings from Christ’s teachings

 

Humbly serving in God’s army

Following footsteps, walked by Christ

Bolstered by our own suffering

Clutching faith, never underpriced

 

Our Father’s way, rich truth to say

Bringing total understanding

His Holy Word comes without chains

Gospel, forever commanding

 

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From 2 Timothy 2:11-13:  “The saying is sure:  If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.”

Originally published January, 2021.

From My Journal (2/16)

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From Big Sky Buckeye

Faith in God’s guiding Word lights one’s way to follow His most desired and trusted path.

Do you write a daily journal?  This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts.  Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.

(Updated February 16)

John Newton Quote

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If the Lord be with us, we have no cause to fear.  His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer–His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.

From Deuteronomy 31:8:  “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

John Newton (1725-1807) was an English pastor who also was a writer of several hymns, including the beloved “Amazing Grace.”  His early life is filled with contrasts, when compared to his later life.  He served as a ship’s captain during the slave trade, but later renounced his work after his conversion to Christianity.  He became an outspoken opponent of the slave trade later in his life.