The American dream, to me, means having the opportunity to achieve.
Show people how to have success and then you can push their expectations up.
Lenny Wilkens (1937-2025) was an American professional basketball player. Following his playing career, he became a highly successful coach in the NBA (National Basketball Association). He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and coach.
From Psalm 111:1: “Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.”
Pessimistic and gloomy attitude
One negative brick follows another
Suffocating and negative self-talk
Sounding more like Eeyore’s little brother
Time for transforming callous attitude
With praise and thanksgiving, eyes upon God
His Grace offering truest Bread of Life
Believe, follow, accept His blessed rod
Breathing in our Lord’s trusted, living Word
Dropping negativity’s jagged sword
Accepting our Father’s mercy and love
Trading bitterness for His sweet accord
Learning from God’s Holy teachings and creeds
Feeling His just and faithful, love-filled works
Listening to each breath, His spoken Word
Maturing in faith’s righteous masterworks
Embracing God’s eternal covenant
Studying His Word, bearing full delight
Celebrating Him with salutations
Singing with attitude of praise, now right
From Psalm 111:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.”
Originally published February, 2021.
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Clothed in God’s trusted armor, each believer carries a fearless attitude.
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 26)
The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs.
From Ephesians 4:31: “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice.”
Joan Didion (1934-2021) was an American writer and journalist.
From Isaiah 40:1-2: “Comfort, O comfort My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”
God’s invitation
Walking before Me
Fleeing sin’s darkness
Peace shall cover thee
Confidence cries out
Embracing God’s way
Leaving wilderness
Hope transcends this day
God’s glory revealed
Kneeling before Me
Comforting presence
Tomorrow walks free
Each valley raised up
Revealing God’s grace
Rebuilding faith’s trust
Joy beams from His face
God’s will standing tall
Sharing Word with Me
Believing His truth
Mercy granted thee
From Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
When we find comfort in accepting Jesus as our Savior, our faith truly walks in His strength.
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 25)
Only a life of prayer and meditation will render a vessel ready for the Master’s use.
From Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
German-born George Muller (1805-1898) was a Christian evangelist. Later in his life, he and his wife spent 17 years involved with missionary travel throughout the world.
This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
Waiting in a young girl’s bedroom, I have hands but cannot hold, a mouth but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. What am I?
(answer found at the end of this post)
John Fitzgerald Kennedy is elected President of the United States and assumes the nation’s highest office in 1961. He becomes the 35th President and youngest ever elected.
Here are a few interesting facts about President Kennedy:
Born in the family home, Kennedy becomes the first President born in the 20th century. His middle name of Fitzgerald is his mother’s maiden name. His parents are Joseph and Rose.
Kennedy’s senior thesis at Harvard University is published in 1940 as a book, Why England Slept. It recounts the international landscape before World War II, and the rise of fascist Germany and Italy. He contrasts their rise to power with the strategy of appeasement from the rest of Europe.
As war clouds appear over America, Kennedy is drafted while in college. After receiving a deferment while finishing his degree, he enters the U.S. Navy and is commissioned as a Lieutenant. He is assigned to command PT-109 as part of a torpedo boat squadron in the Pacific Theater.
Following the war, Kennedy turns to politics. He runs for and earns a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives during the election of 1946. After serving three terms in Congress, he is elected to two terms in the U.S. Senate (1953-1961).
Facing recovery time following back surgery, Kennedy authors a book which is published in 1956. Well-received, his Profiles in Courage earns a Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1957.
Encouraged by his parents, family and others, Kennedy pursues the Presidency in the election of 1960. Facing Richard M. Nixon, the Republican nominee, Kennedy carries a razor-thin margin of 112,803 in the popular vote of slightly over 68 million ballots. He narrowly wins the Electoral College 303 to 219.
Using less than 1,900 words, Kennedy’s inaugural address lasts just over 16 minutes. His ending words continue to be immortalized even today:
My fellow American: ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country.
Despite his abbreviated term of office, Kennedy oversees many significant developments and world events:
On a sunny day in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy is assassinated. His tragic death marks the fourth such event of an American President (Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, William McKinley).
Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com
Real freedom brings forward a need to witness responsibility for others.
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 24)
If freedom is to survive and prosper, it will require the sacrifice, the effort and the thoughtful attention of every citizen.
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.
John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) was the 35th President of the United States.
Big Sky Buckeye 