Jesus of Nazareth had a magnificent obsession: the cross. His death on the cross was no afterthought on God’s part but rather, the fulfillment of the Father’s predetermined plan for His Son.
From Luke 24:46-47: “He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'”
From the words of American-born philosopher, Pema Chadron: “Be kinder to yourself, then let your kindness flood the world.”
Waiting in life’s shadows, another year
Thinking conscious thoughts, ready to embrace
Setting aside more time for daydreaming
Leading to tomorrow’s energized space
Allowing positivity to shine
Sowing today’s seeds, filled with future hope
Reaping lasting harvest of inner peace
Looking ahead through New Year’s vivid scope
Finding humor’s lessons in life’s darkness
Focusing on single tasks, without more
Filling each day with heartfelt gifts of joy
Witnessing blessed year, coming ashore
Creating reservoirs of lasting light
Passing each on to others taking flight
This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
Put these statements in the right order.
(A) A woman tries on a dress.
(B) A woman buys a hat.
(C) A man buys a dress.
(D) A woman returns a dress to a store.
(E) A man gives his wife a present.
(answer found at the end of this post)
Once a month, a special post will be published with something related to the given month. With the start of a new year just around the corner, it seems appropriate to look at a New Year’s tradition of many Americans.
A traditional southern dish is prepared by many families. It is called “Hoppin’ John,” and is eaten in the southern United States on New Year’s Day. The dish dates back to the 1800s, and the main ingredients are black-eyes peas (cow peas), rice, and pork (usually ham or bacon). Additional sides may include collard greens and corn bread.
By preparing and eating this dish, one hopes to experience luck in the year to come. Some families may eat the dish on New Year’s Eve while most will enjoy it on New Year’s Day.
Some of the ingredients of “Hoppin’ John” carry symbolic importance.
One customary act is to eat all but three of the black-eyed peas on one’s plate. This will promise a trio of benefits: luck, wealth, and romance.
C, E, A, D, B
Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason.
Bob Newhart mastered the art of his deadpan comedic delivery. He also starred in two long-running American television sitcoms: “The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-1978) and “Newhart” (1982-1990).
Jerry Seinfeld mastered the art of observational comedy. His long-running sitcom “Seinfeld” spanned 180 episodes (1989-1998), and has remained one of the all-time greatest sitcoms in American television history.
Father’s
Blessed approach
Disciplining life’s journey
Bringing forth highest expectations
Righteousness
Father’s
Blessed mercy
Surrounding His children
Each and every day
Love
Father’s
Blessed light
Illuminating each step
Walking His truest path
Leading
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.
You cannot be the person God meant you to be, and you cannot live the life He meant you to live, unless you live from the heart.
From Ephesians 3:19-20: “To know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine.”
John Eldredge (born 1960) is an American author, counselor, and lecturer on Christianity. More details are available on his website: wildatheart.org.
Attention mankind
Pause now, stop to think
Look at your actions
Before more ships sink
Ecosystems fail
Fragile planet cries
Look at your actions
Before more dark skies
Poverty and crime
Stealing life’s spirit
Look at your actions
Before more fear it
Corruption’s headlines
Does anyone speak truth?
Look at your actions
Before more untruth
Clouds of war breathing
Death ravages world
Look at your actions
Before more unfurled
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.
Leo (Count Lev Nikolayevich) Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian writer. Many consider him to be one the world’s greatest authors of all-time.
Always remember
Recounting gracious deeds
Breathing trust into faith
Life’s every tender reed
Lord fulfills great acts
Praising each, filled with love
Witnessing mighty hand
Angels sing from above
Never-ending grace
Sending His Son to build
Lasting bond with Father
Redemption shall be filled
Merciful journey
Gathering at one cross
Shedding His blood for all
Evil swallows his loss
New covenant calls
Forgiving sinful ways
Creating hope’s new life
Salvation’s hands now raise
I’ve found that the worst thing I can do when it comes to any kind of potential pressure situation is to put off dealing with it.
From Psalm 34:4-5: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant, so your faces shall never be ashamed.”
John Maxwell (born 1947) is an American pastor, author, and speaker. He has written numerous books about leadership, with a Christian point of view.
Big Sky Buckeye 