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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.

Nature’s Portfolio (Haiku Series #279)

Transitions

Wilderness visits

Color fills each rendezvous—

Whispers of changes

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Animations

Every gentle breeze

Landscape’s choreography—

Spirit’s harmony

Photo by Jens Hoffmann on Pexels.com

Illustrations

Day of cloud watching

Imagination’s sketches—

One more masterpiece

Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Pexels.com

From My Journal (5/14)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Our Creator took a dark, empty void and set in motion His eternal masterpiece.

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 May 14)

Marie Chapian Quotes

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Originality is not doing something no one else has ever done, but doing what has been done countless times with new life, new breath.

You can pursue happiness, or you can create it.

Marie Chapian (born 1938) is an American writer and radio ministry host.

Monday Memories: Choose His Path

photography of mountains under cloudy sky

Photo by Simon Matzinger on Pexels.com

We have a clear path to choose

Anything else, we definitely lose

 

A godless enemy brings emptiness

He prowls and waits, eager to strike

His path only leads to unhappiness

Our lives feel like a bursting dike

 

We see the good life in front of us

But the light comes with false hopes

Glamour and riches without the fuss

Darkness clouds over life’s periscope

 

Gloomy doom brings promises, so empty

A champion bears our guilt and shame

There is a better way, filled with plenty

Life truly means more than just a game

 

The Light of Salvation chases away the dark

Christ bears our wounds at a bloody cross

The enemy slithers away, gone is his spark

Jesus’ Holy righteousness reaches across

 

Our loving Father sacrifices His only Son

His shed blood atones for our sinful ways

An empty tomb declares, Christ has won

Accept me and follow, He proudly says

 

We have a clear path to choose

Anything else, we definitely lose

cross-sunset-sunrise-hill-70847.jpeg

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Originally published October, 2019.

From My Journal (5/13)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Viewing the heavens above, unfiltered evening moments share tranquility’s 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 May 13)

Oswald Chambers Quote

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God does not keep a man immune from trouble; He says–“I will be with him in trouble.”

From Romans 8:35:  “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? 

Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher.  Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons.  Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST.  I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.

Pathway of Righteousness

From Proverbs 10:2:  “Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.”

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Footsteps seeking shortcut

Tempted with distractions

Detours filled with wrong turns

Darkness shrouds each transaction

 

Father’s road forsaken

Evil offers his way

Man’s eagerness to shine

Misguided bypass each day

 

Pulled away from Father

North, then south . . . now alone

West, then east . . . deeply lost

Next destination . . . unknown

 

Spirit’s faithfulness breathes

Constant grace, always bright

Jesus walking ahead

Resurrection’s blessed light

 

Filled with hope’s renewal

Witness of Savior’s peace

Fruits of Spirit descend

Wondrous joy fills every piece

 

Pathway of righteousness

Obstacles cleared away

Father’s trusted wisdom

Faith’s choices follow His way

 

Photo by Jens Johnsson on Pexels.com

From Psalm 23:1-3:  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.  He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake.”

From My Journal (5/12)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

God blesses each of us with His righteous path to follow.  Here we can share with others our witness, which never tires in showing a heart that is forever young.

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 May 12)

Charles Swindoll Quote

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God’s specialty is bringing renewal to our strength, not reminders of our weakness.  Take it by faith.

From Proverbs 3:1-2:  “My child, do not forget My teaching, but let your heart keep My commandments, for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you.”

Trivia’s Facts and More (5/11)

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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

If you are running a race and pass the person in second place, then what place are you in?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The American state of Kentucky is filled with numerous attractions.  Its rich history as the 15th state of the United States began when it was admitted to the Union on June 1, 1792.

Here are a few quick facts about the Bluegrass State:

  • Capital City:  Frankfort
  • State Bird:  Cardinal
  • State Flower:  Goldenrod
  • State Motto:  United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Kentucky’s name has been traced to the Native American nation of Iroquois.  Their language uses the word “Ken-tah-ten” means “land of tomorrow.”

President Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace is located near the town of Hodgenville, Kentucky.  The site is marked, and can be found about three miles south of the community.

One of the most dramatic landscapes to visit is the Cumberland Gap, which is a pass through the Appalachian Mountains.  Located in the tri-state area of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the pass has served as a crossroads for the nation’s early migration westward from the original thirteen American states.

Kentucky’s largest city is Louisville.  The city is home to significant points of interest.  Being the birthplace of boxer Muhammad Ali, one is encouraged to visit the Muhammad Ali Center.  Major League Baseball’s famed Louisville Slugger bats are manufactured here as well.  A museum invites baseball fans to see the history behind any slugger’s baseball bat.

There are countless attractions throughout Kentucky.  Following Interstate 65 south from Louisville, one will travel in close proximity to most of these places.

Before leaving Louisville, a visit to Churchill Downs would offer a look at the home of the Kentucky Derby, the oldest continually-running horse race in America.  Founded in 1874, the track hosts thoroughbred horse racing’s opening Triple Crown race each season.

The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green showcases the venerable Chevrolet Corvette, which has been manufactured since 1953.  For many years, Corvettes have been manufactured at a nearby assembly plant.

Mammoth Cave is recognized as the world’s largest cavern.  The area was established as a national park in 1941.

Fort Knox houses a U.S. military installation, which is located next to the United States Bullion Depository.  Nearly 150 million ounces of gold are kept there.  Visitors are not permitted inside the depository.

clockwise from top left:  national corvette museum, mammoth cave, louisville slugger museum, landscape near cumberland gap, muhammad ali center, churchill downs, fort knox, president lincoln’s birthplace, (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Second place