Life becomes inspiring, not in spite of the problems and the hard hits, but because of them.
From Galatians 6:9: “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.”
Joni Eareckson Tada (born 1949) is an American Christian author and radio host. Much of her work has focused on ministry in the disability community. Her life journey is a living testament to this quote.
From Isaiah 9:6: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders, and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
World’s hopeful emotions
Searching for inner peace
In midst of life’s struggles
When will this darkness cease?
Peace waits for Messiah
Unlocking hopeful light
Goodwill comes upon man
Bethlehem’s star beams bright
Hope fills faithful journey
Waiting for Father’s Son
Shall be called Prince of Peace
Darkness cannot outrun
Through precious, promised child
Blessing all with His peace
Emmanuel comes near
Hope renewed through faith’s lease
Father’s steadfast vision
Sending peace upon earth
Man called to trust His plan
Wilderness finds hope’s berth
This poem’s hymn selection comes from “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Finding inspiration from Luke 2:14, American pastor, Edmund H. Sears, wrote these beloved lyrics in 1849.
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One may be surrounded by the world’s noise; but in Christ, each of us will find harmony and peace.
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 December 8)
For outlandish creatures like us, on our way to a heart, a brain, and courage, Bethlehem is not the end of our journey but only the beginning–not home but the place through which we must pass if ever we are to reach home at last.
From Luke 2:13-14: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!'”
Frederick Buechner (1926-2022) was an American pastor, Christian theologian, and author. His writings were published in 39 books, which included several different genres.
Over the years, the Montana Legislature has designated five different animal species as the official animal, bird, butterfly, fish, and dinosaur. The widely recognized western meadowlark and grizzly bear have been adopted in 1931 and 1983, respectively. Of even greater interest are the remaining three species.
In the 1970s, well-recognized television producer and news broadcaster Norma Ashby, desires to designate a special species as the official state fish. The Montana native promotes the adoption of the blackspotted cutthroat trout, which is approved by the Montana Legislature in 1977.
In the Montana territory, the blackspotted cutthroat trout is highlighted in the journal writings of William Clark, who is part of the infamous Corps of Discovery led by Clark and Meriwether Lewis. This trout is well-noted for its tenacious attitude when fighting hard against an angler’s hook.
Montana’s official state fossil is approved in 1985, the duck-billed dinosaur. The species is referred to as the maiasaura dinosaur, the “good mother” dinosaur.
In the foothills of the Rocky Mountain front, near the community of Choteau, major scientific findings are recognized in 1978. Marion Brandvold makes a discovery near her home of Bynum. The entire area has been designated “Egg Mountain” because of entire nests of fossilized eggshells, baby and juvenile dinosaurs.
Brandvold shares her findings with the famous paleontologist, Jack Horner, from the Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University. His further studies later find evidence that some dinosaurs lived in colonies.
Approved by the Montana Legislature in 2001, the mourning cloak butterfly becomes the official state butterfly. A major trademark of the butterfly is its dark, velvety wings. These wings absorb the warmth of the sun.
The mourning cloak butterfly has been observed as one of spring’s earliest arriving butterflies. Sometimes they have emerged before the last of the winter snow has melted. Their wingspans have reached nearly four inches.
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When one experiences the sharing of gratitude, life receives refreshment, which quiets the heart.
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 December 7)
Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.
Seemed to me that drumming was the best way to get close to God.
Lionel Hampton (1908-2002) was an American jazz vibraphonist, percussionist, and bandleader. As a composer and arranger, he wrote more than 200 works.
Witnessing
“Follow Me”
“Come and see”
God descends upon man
Emmanuel
Hearing
Of Nazarene
Disciples now believe
Turning water into wine
Messiah
Following
Righteous steps
Glory’s light ahead
Path to eternal home
Savior
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
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Through the Resurrection, the darkness of sin is permanently vanquished by our Savior’s light. May we always believe in Him.
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 December 6)
The Lord’s immutable nature is the foundation of our faith.
From Hebrews 1:10-12: “In the beginning, Lord, You founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands; they will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak You will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will never end.”
Big Sky Buckeye 