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.
Through God’s grace, we are no longer filled with darkness from our weaknesses. He leads us forward, always guided by the lighthouse of His mercy.
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.
Wholeness does not mean perfection: it means embracing brokenness as an integral part of life.
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.”
Parker Palmer (born 1939) is an American author and educator. Much of his writing has focused on issues dealing with leadership, spirituality, and social change.
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
What can travel all around the world without leaving its corner?
(answer found at the end of this post)
Featured Facts
In the United States, November 11 is set aside to observe Veterans Day. This time encourages Americans to pause and reflect in honoring all men and women who have served in the armed forces, past and present..
This day was originally designated as Armistice Day, which recognized the end of World War I in 1918. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, war ended between the Allied Powers and the Central Powers. Sometimes labeled as the Great War, this conflict was the first world-wide war with battlegrounds in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific and Asian regions.
The catalyst for the war was seeded in the balance of power in Europe as witnessed by various alliances and nationalistic feelings. When Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, the spark for war was ignited. The Archduke was heir to the throne of the Austria-Hungary Empire, and the assassin was Serbian.
Immediately, military alliances began mobilizing. Serbia was aligned with Russia, and Russia was backed by the Allied Powers of France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and later the United States. As the Central Powers, Austria-Hungary was closely tied to Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and later Bulgaria. Other nations throughout Europe and around the world united with one side or the other.
After more than four years of total warfare and its unprecedented destruction of property and loss of life, peace finally arrived with ratification of the Treaty of Versailles. The so-called “war to end all wars” would fail in its expectations in about twenty years.
In 1954, Armistice Day was renamed as Veterans Day. The reason for this change was founded in that the United States had fought in other major wars since the conclusion of World War I–World War II and Korea.
It should be noted that there is a difference between the purposes behind Veterans Day and Memorial Day. While Veterans Day honors the sacrifice and service of all veterans, Memorial Day commemorates those who served and gave their lives for a grateful nation.
top left: world war declared in 1914 (the u.s. would not enter until 1917. top right: the great war ends in 1918. remaining photos: various COMMEMORATIONs of veterans for their service. (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)
May all Americans pause and honor all military personnel–past, present, and future. A grateful nation shall never forget the service of these men and women in uniform.
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.
The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.
Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.
Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) served in the United States Army in a variety of roles and assignments. As commanding general, he oversaw the operations in the Pacific theater during World War II. Later, he served as leader of the United Nations Command during the Korean War.
The light of our Savior will always overwhelm the enemy’s darkness.
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.
God is for us. I want you to remember that God is for us. Say those four words to yourself, “God is for us.” Remember that tomorrow morning when you don’t feel like He is. Remember that when you have failed. Remember that when you have sinned and guilt slams you to the mat.
From Romans 8:31-32: What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold His own Son but gave Him up for all of us, how will He not with Him also give us everything else?”
America’s observation of Veterans Day lies ahead on November 11. As a nation gathers to honor anyone, past or present, who has served in uniform, may we remember and embrace our nation’s past.
Big Sky Buckeye 