You’ll understand why storms are named after people.
The world only exists in your eyes. You can make it as big or as small as you want.
F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was an American novelist and short story writer. Much of his best writing occurred during the Jazz Age, with THE GREAT GATSBY being recognized as his best work.
Winter’s white blanket covers frozen land
Sheltering nature’s glory until spring
Arctic-fed winds seem to blow from glaciers
Sleeping quietly, life conceals its zing
Northernmost Great Lakes transform skies to gray
Flying above, geese enjoy winter’s fling
Small ponds reflect from thick, icy mirrors
Pausing all around, boldness waits for spring
Ancient trees appear to wait in repose
Ignoring life’s deep freeze, buds holding out
Nature’s winter rest, preparing for spring
Arriving tonight, snowstorm’s final shout
Never to worry, winter fades away
Coming on schedule, spring colors each day
Originally published January, 2021.
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We need to stay close to our Father, much like we would around the warmth of a fire on a cold, winter night.
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 December 8)
When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer.
Evolution and all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.
John Lennon (1940-1980) was a English musician and activist. He was the founder of one of the most acclaimed groups ever, the Beatles.
From Romans 15:12-13: “And again Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the gentiles; in him the gentiles shall hope.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Longing for inner peace
Patience fills every heart
Shepherds wonder this night
Spirit’s goodness imparts
Viewing Bethlehem’s peace
Mercy nestled with love
Deliverance of light
Precious to God above
Raising harmony’s peace
Root of Jesse shall bring
Spring of living waters
Hope abounds, joy will sing
Hearing God’s voice of peace
Salvation’s breath of light
Messiah’s truth to come
Angels now taking flight
Shining beacon of peace
Heaven’s intent descends
Hope wakens in stable
Love invites joy, God sends
From Psalm 72:12-13: “For He delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy and saves the lives of the needy.”
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Immersing oneself in His Word, God opens a lighted path where His peace encourages one to listen more deeply.
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 December 7)
Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.
From Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
J. I. Packer (1926-2020) was a English-born Christian theologian and writer. His given name was James Innell, and he spent most of his later years in Canada.
One of the true legends of The Ohio State University’s athletics is Jerry Lucas. Born on March 30, 1940, the native of Middletown has achieved greatness in high school, college, and professional basketball.
Middletown is located between Dayton and Cincinnati in southwestern Ohio. With a population of about 50,000, the community is bigger than many in the Buckeye state.
While playing for the Middletown High School Middies, Lucas leads his team to victory in 76 consecutive games. Two state championships are also added to the school’s trophy case.
Following high school, there is no doubt in Lucas’ mind that he will play for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He arrives on campus with an academic scholarship. This is his desire in case the basketball journey does not pan out.
At 6 feet 8 inches, Lucas becomes a prolific scorer and rebounder. He develops a nearly perfect hook shot, and his basketball IQ far exceeds that of most players. He becomes the consummate team player as well.
During Lucas’ tenure with the Buckeyes, the team records a record of 78 wins and only six loses. They play in three consecutive national championship games, while winning in 1960.
While still in college, Lucas plays for the U.S. national team in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy. The American squad successfully defends its reputation as the best in the world on its way to winning another gold medal.
Following his college career, Lucas goes on to play in the NBA. His career begins with the Cincinnati Royals, continues with the San Francisco Warriors (now Golden State), and ends with the New York Knicks. In his first season of professional basketball, he is honored as the league’s Rookie of the Year.
Playing with his heart as well as his mind, Lucas achieves recognition beyond even his childhood dreams. He becomes the first American basketball player to win championships at the high school, college, and professional levels. His NBA championship ring arrives in 1973.
After retiring from basketball in 1974, Lucas is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.
Beyond basketball, Lucas is gifted with a phenomenal memory. He develops memory games at the age of nine. His increasing active mind opens pathways to amazing memory powers.
His fourth grade teacher asks students to imagine the Great Lakes and see homes floating there. H – O – M – E – S represents lakes Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. Lucas takes this example and others as he develops a nearly endless cache of memory techniques.
He always impresses other students, teammates, and the media. Following his basketball career, he develops a system of memory education and authors several books. These include The Memory Book (1974) and Learning How to Learn (2001).
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Books open a dynamic gateway into witnessing life’s humble opportunities.
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 December 6)
I send out a message every Saturday morning that is meaningful, hopefully it’s a spiritual message. It gives me an opportunity to stay in touch with many of those people I was fortunate to know and play with through the years.
Jerry Lucas (born 1940) lives in Gallipolis, which is located in southeastern Ohio.
Big Sky Buckeye 