Early morning’s grace
Picturing new day ahead—
Confidence rising
Positive thinking
Today’s refreshing goodness—
Go now, pass it on
Darkness all around
Dancing with each twinkling star—
Tomorrow brightens
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Morning’s simplicity offers a unique opportunity for reflection.
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 10)
The caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all the publicity.
We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years.
George Carlin (1937-2008) was an American comedian, social critic, and writer.
From Romans 6:1-2: “What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?”
All have been baptized into Christ
God’s offer of Grace shall abound
Christ suffering death on the Cross
Accepting His way, God’s Word found
Living with God through our Savior
United with Jesus by His death
Walking in goodness of new life
Accepting His way, lasting breath
Escaping life of sin and death
Obedient to God’s commands
Following our righteous Father
Accepting His way, where we stand
Knowing God through His Holy Word
Rescued, no longer slaves to sin
Total devotion to Jesus
Accepting His way, love within
From Romans 6:12-14: “Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”
Originally published August, 2020.
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May we share our Father’s light for others to witness. Jesus calls us to do nothing less.
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 9)
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.
