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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.

Watch Out: Christmas Is Almost Here! (Special Guest Post)

Watch out:

The word of the world; yes it has much to say . . .

. . . You have planning, and shopping, and shopping some more.

Then comes cooking, and wrapping and baking galore.

It’s a hustle and bustle that grows every day.

The snowball grows larger and rolls where it may.

You just can’t stop it, so watch out . . .

GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Watch out:

The word of the Lord, yes it has much to say . . .

. . . Rest your body and spirit, and then rest in me.

There’s a reason and meaning, a meaning to see.

It’s not parties or Santa behind that one day.

Go slowly and stop now, the star leads the way.

Some may have missed it, so watch out . . .

HE SLEPT ON THE HAY!

Such a small gift; so humble and so dear.

Could you possibly give it?

Could you be that bold?

Such a rich gift; so special and so near.

Could you possibly share it?

Could the truth be told?

Watch out:

The word of your life, yes it has much to say . . .

. . . Wrap the gift of the baby who brought us God’s grace.

Give His love to the world and to all you embrace.

Tell the world that this baby grew to be the way.

Go slowly and stop now, to hear Jesus say.

Don’t let them miss it, so watch out . . .

MY CROSS WAS THE WAY!

Watch out:

The word of the world; yes it has much to say . . .

. . . Still the word of your life can be of much more worth.

If you share with the world to celebrate His birth

Tell the world it’s not Santa, but Jesus who says.

Go slowly and stop now at my cross today.

Salvation is there, accept it . . .

I LOVE YOU ALWAYS!

Such a small gift; so humble and so dear.

Could you possibly give it?

Could you be that bold?

Such a rich gift; so special and so near.

Could you possibly share it?

Could the truth be told?

(All photos courtesy of Pinterest.)

This guest poem is written by the real Mrs. Buckeye.  My wife, Colleen, is the author, and this poem will be included in her upcoming book, Bits ‘n’ Pieces of My Heart.  The book is written for young families, and it will include devotions, poetry, short stories, and activities.  She expects to publish it sometime in 2024.

From My Journal (12/20)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

As another saint comes to accept Jesus as Savior, heaven quakes with another celebration.

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 or adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 20)

Charles Stanley Quote

Photo by Manuel Keusch on Pexels.com

Conviction about God’s truth is like an anchor holding you steady in the waves of temptation and the winds of opinion.

From Daniel 1:16-17:  “So the guard continued to withdraw their royal rations and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables.  To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in every aspect of literature and wisdom; Daniel also had insight into all visions and dreams.”

Wintertime Tapestry (Haiku Series #258)

Novel Bliss

Book’s invitation

Surrounded by winter storm—

Staying cozy warm

Photo by ArtHouse Studio on Pexels.com

Winter Choreography

Falling snow’s ballet

Flakes fluttering with each twist—

Dancing in child’s eyes

Photo by Todd Trapani on Pexels.com

Frolicking Children

Snow’s “welcome back” tune

Playing and giggling outside—

Touched by every flake

Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

From My Journal (12/19)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

As nature’s seasons begin another transition, our Creator opens another avenue of joy.

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 or adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 19)

Monday Memories: Never Alone

I keep a daily journal of “take-aways” from my devotional readings.  This poem was crafted from some of my February entries.

sea beach footprint steps

Photo by Jaymantri on Pexels.com

Sitting alone and hopeless

Faith’s shadow, covered in rust

God awakens mind and soul

In His Spirit, words bring trust

 

Turning to God, always there

His footprints walking ahead

Through life’s hefty challenges

Our Lord brings our daily bread

 

Reading from His Holy Word

Always giving thanks and praise

Marvelous things, God has done

Our hope alive and ablaze

 

Growing in faith, from our woes

Therefore, pray . . . listen . . . follow

Righteous life following Christ

Savior’s hope, never hollow

 

Facing temptation each day

Alignment with Son of God

Blood and body shed for us

Boldly fleeing evil’s fraud

brown and silver cross table decor

Photo by Michael Morse on Pexels.com

From Galatians 6:1-2:  “My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.  Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.  Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Originally published May, 2020.

From My Journal (12/18)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Our Father continually sees life’s Big Picture, which our tiny lens can never fully appreciate.

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 or adding so much to my journal.

(Updated December 18)

John Gibson Paton Quote

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Nothing so clears the vision and lifts up the life, as a decision to move forward in what you know to be entirely the will of the Lord.

From Proverbs 3:5-6:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

John Gibson Paton (1824-1907) was a Scottish-born Christian missionary who lived and served the Lord in the South Pacific.

Bethlehem’s Joy (Third Sunday of Advent)

From Philippians 4:4-6:  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Offering God’s promises

Distant joy asking, who’s yet to come?

Echoing in wilderness

Voices no longer numb

 

Faithful witnesses of peace

Salvation’s Messiah now descends

Mercy’s joy-filled tenderness

Lasting goodness shall extend

 

Holy Spirit rejoices

Promised deliverance emerges

Virgin’s heart flowing with love

Angels praise as joy surges

 

Rejoice always, now rejoice

Eternity’s spring of love endures

Mankind’s hope shall be transformed

Filling joy from grace, so pure

 

Each believer investing

Ripples of God’s blessed love invite

Messiah opening gates

Outlook’s joy forever bright

 

Bethlehem’s joy in shining star

Gentleness in spirit, blessings come

Long-awaited Prince of Peace

Each knee bends, to heaven’s drum

 

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Advent Prayer:  Heavenly Father,  as we remember and reflect upon this Advent season, assist us in turning our hearts toward You as we approach the birth of Your blessed Son.  Encourage us to celebrate the gifts received from that very first Christmas:  hope, peace, joy, and love.  Amen.

German hymnwriter, Laurentius Laurenti (1660-1722), wrote a reverent hymn which works well with the expectations of the Advent season, but it also looks ahead to the return of Jesus Christ.  Here is “Rejoice!  Rejoice Believers.”