The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.
The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American pastor and abolitionist.
Henry Ward Beecher Quotes
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Author Archives: bigskybuckeye
Monday Memories: Haunting Storm
Pleasant, mid-winter day
Warm winds decide to stay
Touch of spring thaws the air
Ideal life, not a care
Hidden, in frigid North
Cold destined to call forth
Prairie living unaware
Grass uncovered, and bare
Few cowboys work the range
Life will soon see big change
Barren land, overgrazed
Cattle wander, unfazed
Calmness warns of trouble
Winter’s wrath comes double
Arctic-fed winds stir up
Wet snow creates pileup
Haunting storm now arrives
Few cattle will survive
Blizzard smothers this land
Conditions, out of hand
Cowboys wait out fierce storm
Snow and cold, nasty swarm
Waiting, hours become days
Prairie, now winter’s maze
Cattle’s cries go unheard
Snow-blinded, vision blurred
Storm’s cruel hand, plays its cards
Life stops, prairie graveyards
This poem attempts to capture the daunting winter of 1886-1887 on the prairies in the Montana Territory when the Open Range’s cattle industry collapsed from its near annihilation. Russell’s artwork says even more than words can describe.
Originally published January, 2021.
From My Journal (1/12)
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
From Big Sky Buckeye
Sometimes it takes some effort and perseverance to scale the weekly peak of another Hump Day.
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 January 12)
F. Scott Fitzgerald Quotes
I never blame failure–there are too many complicated situations in life–but I am absolutely merciless toward lack of effort.
Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy.
F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was an American novelist and short story writer. Much of his best writing occurred during the Jazz Age, with THE GREAT GATSBY being recognized as his best work.
Journey’s Protector
From 1 Corinthians 15:56-58: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Each advancing year
Blessed by Father’s love
Overcoming through faith
Joy’s praises soar above
Journey’s protector
Loved by Holy Son
Reconciling sin’s sting
Heaven’s work shall be done
Resurrection’s light
Powered by Son’s grace
Transforming forgiveness
Today’s peace to embrace
Steadfast in spirit
Encouraged by Son
Raising up hope’s outlook
Tomorrow’s rising sun
Mercy found in Christ
Discouraged no more
Witnessing Calvary
Redemption’s open door
From the words of English preacher, Charles Spurgeon: “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
From My Journal (1/11)
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
From Big Sky Buckeye
When we encourage one another, our testament lights the journey ahead just as a lighthouse protects ships from a rocky shoreline.
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 January 11)
Charles Stanley Quote
When you pray in Jesus’ name, God will transform your prayer life by turning uncertainty into confidence and confusion into the wisdom to know His will.
From Romans 8:26-27: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Charles Stanley (1932-2023) was an American pastor and Christian writer. He was dedicated to leading a teaching ministry.
Trivia’s Facts and More (1/10)
This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
Brain Teaser Question
There are two ducks in front of a duck, two ducks behind a duck, and a duck in the middle. How many ducks are there?
(answer found at the end of this post)
Featured Facts
Under the newly written U.S. Constitution, Delaware becomes the “first state” to ratify it on December 7, 1787).
Here are a few interesting facts about Delaware:
- Capital City: Dover
- Largest City: Wilmington (population of 70,898 from 2020 Census)
- State Nicknames: First State, Diamond State
- State Flower: Peach Blossom
- State Bird: Blue Hen (also the mascot for the University of Delaware)
- State Motto: Liberty and Independence
The state’s name is attributed to exploer Samuel Argall, who names the bay and river after Virginia Governor, Thomas West, Lord De La Warr.
In terms of land area, Delaware is second smallest American state. Only Rhode Island has fewer square miles. Three counties make up the state: New Castle, Kent, and Sussex.
In the 1600s, Scandinavian settlers arrive, and they bring with them plans for a log cabin. New Sweden is recognized as the first permanent colony on Delaware soil (founded in 1638).
The current state flag is adopted in 1913. It includes the official state seal enclosed in a buff diamond on a colonial blue background.
There is no general sales tax in the state, which attracts out-of-state shoppers. The state is joined by Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Alaska as the other states without such a tax. Delaware’s friendly legal environment offers a preferred location for businesses to incorporate under its state laws.
The Delaware River forms a natural boundary between the states of Delaware and New Jersey. During the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington and his troops cross the river in December, 1776, to surprise Hessian troops near Trenton.
Thomas Jefferson is given credit for one of Delaware’s nicknames: the Diamond State. He describes Delaware as a jewel among the American states because of its strategic location along the Atlantic coastline.
top left and MOVING clockwise: dover international speedway, state capitol and legislative square in dover, rehoboth beach boardwalk, scenic delaware river, downtown view of wilmington, state flower peach blossom, state bird blue hen, state flag, delaware memorial bridge. (Courtesy of Pinterest)
Answer to Brain Teaser Question
Three ducks.
From My Journal (1/10)
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
From Big Sky Buckeye
Where would one’s life journey end up without dreams?
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 January 10)
Delaware Quotes
Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823-1893) journalist, teacher (born in Wilmington)
Self-reliance is the Fine Road to Independence.
Howard Pyle (1853-1911) illustrator, author (born in Wilmington)
Throw your heart into the picture and then jump in after it.
Annie Jump Cannon (1863-1941) astronomer (born in Dover)
Curiosity is the compass that guides us to new discoveries.
Big Sky Buckeye 