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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.

From My Journal (4/30)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

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From Big Sky Buckeye

Lifting up praise to our Father, who provides us with the necessary journey of faith, so that we shall trust the destiny He has in store for us.

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 April 30)

Charles Stanley Quote

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Although every verse in the Bible is inspired by God and given to us for our benefit, we won’t hear His voice unless we make His Word a priority.

From Deuteronomy 8:2-3:  “Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.  He humbled you by letting you hunger, then by feeding you with manna, with which neither you nor your ancestors were acquainted, in order to make you understand that one does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Fascinating Journey

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Opening doors welcome each child

Fascinating journey begins

Dreams fill with imagination

School days become future’s lynchpin

 

Strengthening character daily

Teaching life lessons, step-by-step

Entire village backs up each child

Honesty leads every footstep

 

Molding citizenship’s actions

Interacting with nation’s past

History’s events come alive

Participation built to last

 

Learning importance of service

Applying every faithful task

Life’s foundation now taking shape

Hands no longer afraid to ask

 

Displaying acts of leadership

Maturing into country’s best

Actions go far beyond just words

Ready now, to pass every test

 

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From My Journal (4/29)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

When I was teaching high school and middle school, I encouraged students to focus on their tasks instead of the classroom clock.

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 April 29)

Rainier Maria Rilke Quotes

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Spring has returned.  The Earth is like a child that knows poems.

There are no classes in life for beginners; right away you are always asked to deal with what is most difficult.

Rainier Maria Rilke (1875-1926) was a Austrian poet and novelist.  He has been widely recognized as a significant writer in the German language.

Trivia’s Facts and More (4/29)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

How many two-cent stamps are there in a dozen?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The “Volunteer State” of Tennessee was the 16th state admitted to the American Union on June 1, 1796.

Here are some quick facts about this dynamic state:

  • Capital City:  Nashville
  • Bird:  Mockingbird
  • Motto:  Agriculture and Commerce

One of Tennessee’s most famous citizens was Davy Crockett, the famous frontiersman and Congressman.  He was born in 1786, and he was well-known for his exploits at the Battle of the Alamo during the Texan march toward independence from Mexico in 1836.

The most visited national park in the United States has been the Great Smoky Mountains.  The park’s name was derived from the smoke-like bluish haze that was often seen above its mountains.

The city of Nashville has been America’s country music epicenter for many years.  Since 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has been the longest, continually-running live radio program in the land.  A visit to the the historic Ryman Auditorium will create  a memorable visit for any country music fan.

Top Photos:  Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nashville’s Music Row, Tennessee River Gorge.  Bottom Photo:  Interior of the Ryman Auditorium.  (courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

12 stamps

You may have multiplied 2 x 12 to get 24.  But a dozen stamps is 12 stamps, no matter how much each is stamp is worth.

Boundless Love (Elfchen Series #150)

Sustaining

Creator’s

Transcending love

Each living witness

Handiwork crafted through faith

Forever

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Unceasing 

Free-flowing

God’s love

Never running dry

Eternal spring, drink deeply

Grace

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Empowering

Hope’s

Future envisions

Through Spirit’s eyes

Walking in Christ’s love

Fulfillment

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From My Journal (4/28)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

Photo by Kerry on Pexels.com

From Big Sky Buckeye

Praises to God for my daily cup of faith, which is filled with overflowing hope.

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 April 28)

Oswald Chambers Quote

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We have to take the first step as though there were no God.  It is no use to wait for God to help us, He will not; but immediately we arise we find He is there.

From Isaiah 60:1:  “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”

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.

Daily Reflections

Captured segments from the early pages of my journal, provide the energy for this poem.  Life’s reflections can come from anywhere, deal with any topic, and occur at any time.  

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Journal’s reflections speak out

Expressions ready to sprout

 

True, unconditional love

Hearing praise singing high above

 

Wise teaching comes from many

Grandparents offer plenty

 

Life’s happiness embraces

From unexpected places

 

Art expressed in many ways

Imagination ablaze

 

Dark, stormy clouds chased away

Rainbow arrives, set to play

 

Negativity removed

Positivity approved

 

Passion no longer alive

How will our tomorrow thrive?

 

Parents watching with delight

Children making day so bright

 

Finally, returning home

Prized memories always roam

 

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