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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.

Martin Luther Quote

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Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.

From John 11:25-26:  “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in Me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.  Do you believe this?”

Always Near

From Isaiah 40:10-11:  “See, the Lord God comes with might, and His arm rules for Him; His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him.  He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms and carry them in His bosom and gently lead the mother sheep.”

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Staying close

Mercy knows

Chasing away doubts

God’s hand reaches out

 

Quiet rest

Hope be blest

Faith’s embers restart

Nestled in God’s heart

 

Always near

Never fear

Righteous grace arrives

Resurrection thrives

 

Peaceful place

Light’s embrace

Holy Spirit roams

Redemption comes home

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The hymn “Near to the Heart of God” inspired today’s faith-based poem.  Here is a dynamic video of the hymn with lyrics by Fountainview Academy in British Columbia, Canada.

From My Journal (4/23)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

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From Big Sky Buckeye

When any of us flounder, God has already launched another mission of grace.

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 23)

Jim Cymbala Quote

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Looking back over my life, all I can see is mercy and grace written in large letters everywhere.  May God help me have the same kind of heart toward those who wound or offend me.

From Ephesians 4:31-32:  “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.”

Jim Cymbala (born 1942) is an American pastor and Christian author.  He firmly believes that God will share His goodness in our lives.

Memories of Home

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Ever homeward

Waiting destination

Year after year

Leaving last train station

 

Traveling forward

Allowing no backward glance

Final ticket punched

Cashing in for final dance

 

Journey’s sunset

Saying “hello” once more

Second chances

Taking life’s encore

 

Garden filled with dreams

Sprouting memories of home

Season to season

Riding free, ready to roam

 

Yesterday’s clues

Arriving with each breeze

Earmarked answers

Lighting up home’s marquee

 

Infinite sunrise

Forsaking final “good-bye”

Irreplaceable

Greeting Montana’s Big Sky

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This poem reflects upon many memories of my native state of Montana, which will always seem like home.  Perhaps each reader will experience his or her own homeward journey of memories, just waiting to be revisited again.

Trivia’s Facts and More (4/22)

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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

If I have 3 dimes, 3 nickels, and 3 quarters, how many ways can I make change for $1.00?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Martin Van Buren served as America’s 8th President from 1837-1841.  Nicknamed “The Little Magician,” his political savvy was legendary.

Here are some interesting facts about Martin Van Buren:

  • Life Span:  Born December 5, 1782, died July 24, 1862
  • Occupation:  Lawyer
  • Home State:  New York
  • Political Party:  Democratic (played a significant role in its founding)

Before ascending to the highest political office in the land, Van Buren’s career was filled with numerous posts:  U.S. Senator, Governor, Secretary of State, and Vice President.  He was the first President born in the independent United States, and the only one to have learned English as a second language (he grew up speaking Dutch).

Downturn in the American economy spelled doom for Van Buren.  The Panic of 1837 was the first significant depression of the young republic.  It would become a major reason for his failure to secure a second term in the election of 1840, which was won by Whig candidate William Henry Harrison.

Portrait of President van buren and interior photo of his lindenwald mansion in new york state.

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Only 2 ways:

3 quarters, 2 dimes, 1 nickel

3 quarters, 1 dime, 3 nickels

Stand-Up Comics Quotes

Robin Williams (1951-2014)

The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone.

Dick Gregory (1932-2017)

The only good thing about the good old days is they’re gone.

Robin Williams was recognized for his gifted comedic skills as well as your dramatic acting roles in film.  He mastered the art of improvisational comedy.

Dick Gregory’s life was much more than just being a stand-up comedian.  His voice of leadership became active in civil rights, and his books were bestsellers.

From My Journal (4/22)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

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From Big Sky Buckeye

When we navigate life’s journey, certain strengths will help us to reach a new destination.

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 22)

Father’s Love (Elfchen Series #149)

Revealing

Lost

Darkest wilderness

Focusing on Light

Mercy shall be waiting

Found

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Confiding

Believing

Never forsaken

Conversation with God

Faithful trust connects daily

Prayer

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Heartening

Discouraged

Frozen outlook

Spirit’s warming presence

Gentle rain of grace

Encouraged

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This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.

From My Journal (4/21)

agriculture countryside daylight farm

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From Big Sky Buckeye

God’s love sustains today’s faith as we hold on to tomorrow’s 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 21)