Each calming sunrise
Warmest personality—
Treasured summer breath
Sunrise awakens
Color added to landscape—
Stirring with brightness
Transforming sunrise
Moonlight now fading way—
Day’s curtain rises
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Sharing a smile offers a greeting as warm and welcome as a brilliant morning sunrise.
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 July 2)
Anyone can take an adventure even if it’s only in your own backyard. Let your imagination be your adventure and see where it takes you.
Laughter is like a little miracle we all experience everyday.
Carmela Dutra is an American author. She excels as both a writer and illustrator.
From John 8:32: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Blessed land stretching from ocean to ocean
Spacious skies wink at fields of abundant grain
Framed in by towering, majestic mountains
God’s Grace covering the land like fruitful rain
Lady Liberty extends her message of hope
Calling out, only demanding to breathe free
Ensuring freedom for the huddled masses
Keeping her torch lite, from sea to shining sea
Asking God to mend a nation’s ills and flaws
Lifting praises up to the Father above
His glory be forever praised here below
Liberty and freedom shall ring, filled with love
Forgiving our nation’s errors and transgressions
Healing hearts of discord, peace now safeguarded
Leading this nation out of its dark wilderness
Remembering an old path, long discarded
Nation founded from scratch, with lasting vision
“All men are created equal” crying out
Endowed from the Creator, come certain rights
Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness shout
“America the Beautiful” is a beloved song. You are invited to listen to this familiar song, as sung by Lee Greenwood.
Originally published July, 2020.
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Today’s procrastination . . . frozen in yesterday’s promises.
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 July 1)
Mount Rushmore National Monument is located in South Dakota’s Black Hills. The sculptured figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln stand watch.
From Psalm 34:4: I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
In midst of dark wilderness
Lost, yet seeking His cover
Praying for Father’s response
Forgiveness whitens sin’s color
Life’s journey shall remain hard
Moral compass guides each heart
Praising Father’s steadfast love
Shallow hope finds blessed restart
Ember of faith’s glowing light
Mercy shared from Heaven’s voice
Treasuring Father’s wisdom
Holy Spirit guides every choice
Righteousness conquers darkness
His answers more clearly seen
Walking in Father’s refuge
Grace, flowing with truth, intervenes
Rescued from evil’s shadow
Faith growing, no longer crushed
Breathing through Father’s spirit
His Son’s promised peace, never hushed
From Matthew 3:17: “And a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is My Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.'”
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Mankind indeed has a choice—pursue darkness filled with false promises—or choose God’s grace plan filled with light’s promises of eternal life.
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 June 30)
The very voices of the night, sounding like the moan of the tempest, may turn out to be the disguised yet tender voices of God.
From Psalm 85:8: “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His faithful, to those who turn to Him in their hearts.”
John Ross MacDuff (1818-1895) was a Scottish pastor and prolific Christian writer.
A select few face overwhelming challenges in life. Encouraged by a heart filled with perseverance, these trailblazers adopt an attitude where “Can” outplays “Can’t.”
Renowned American lighthouse keeper, Ida Lewis, is recognized as one of the nation’s true heroes. Her dedication to her service as well as rescuing many forlorn boaters in the waters around Newport, Rhode Island, is well-documented.
Idawalley Zorada Lewis begins her life journey on February 25, 1842. Born to parents, Hosea and Zoradia, she becomes a vital, working member of the family by the age of 12.
Her father is appointed as the lighthouse keeper in 1854 at the Lime Rock Light Station. The tiny postage-stamp sized island of Lime Rock is inaccessible by land. In the first few months of Hosea Lewis’ tenure as the keeper, he suffers a stroke. Unable to complete his duties, his wife Zoradia takes over his responsibilities.
Because her mother must also care for her husband’s needs, Ida is called upon to assist with the tending and caring of the lighthouse. Eventually, she will inherit the official position as the lighthouse keeper. These daily duties include:
Ida becomes an accomplished swimmer and rower. Each day, she pilots the family’s wooden skiff across the harbor in taking her siblings to school. She also brings back provisions from town.
In the fall of 1958 at age 16, Ida completes her first rescue. Four young men are clinging to their capsized sailboat, and she rows out to bring them safely back to land.
One of Ida’s best known rescues happens on March 29, 1869. A vicious snowstorm covers the Newport harbor, and two soldiers are rowing toward Fort Adams. A 14-year old boy is acting as their guide. The surging waters become too much, and the boat capsizes. The boy disappears in the stormy seas while the two men cling to their sinking boat. Ida and her younger brother row out to the scene and rescue the two men.
Ida’s exploits are reported in newspapers, and one even hails her as the “bravest woman in America.” She meets many famous people, including President Ulysses S. Grant.
In July, 1881, Ida receives the Gold Lifesaving Medal from the U.S. Coast Guard for her heroism in this rescue. Her likeness appears on the cover of Harper’s Weekly, and her photograph is reproduced on postcards.
The Secretary of the U.S. Lighthouse Board, William Windom, offers gratitude and praise for Ida’s courage. Here are some of his words:
“. . . it is peculiarly appropriate that you should receive the national life-saving medal in commemoration of your brave acts as a life-saver, while it is an occasion for added satisfaction that such a memorial of unquestionable heroism should have been won by a woman.”
During her many years of service, Ida is credited with 18 official rescues (and numerous unofficial ones). She completes her last rescue when she is in her mid-60s. On October 24, 1911, Ida dies from a stroke.
In her final years of service, Ida earns an annual salary of $750, which is the highest paid to any lighthouse keeper in the United States. No doubt, her many acts of heroism earn her this high level of compensation.
In 1924, the U.S. Coast Guard renames the Lime Rock Light Station. It becomes the Ida Lewis Lighthouse, and it is the only American lighthouse ever named after a keeper.
Ida Lewis becomes a strong role model for future generations of American girls. Her own words proclaim her sustaining faith: “God always gives me the strength to help others in need.”
Previous editions of other narratives of “Overcoming Life’s Insurmountable” can be found from the links below.
Glenn Cunningham, American athlete
Wilma Rudolph, American athlete
Big Sky Buckeye 