Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness.
From Psalm 55:22: “Redeem Israel, O God, out of all its troubles.”
One’s love of the game sharing
Encouraging life’s new vision
One more summer of baseball
Boys answering their final call
Autumn’s sandlot football days
In field’s dirt, drawing up plays
Collecting each baseball card
Keeping all, never will discard
Playing catch with dad each night
Pitching finds home plate in moonlight
Playing high school football games
Friday nights bringing lasting fame
Playing one final season
Retirement waits in postseason
Wrapped up in competition
Respecting each sport’s traditions
Memories of each game played
Never allowing time to fade
Dreaming of playing again
Competing in life’s senior lane
Remembering each mentor
Always open, each coach’s door
Enduring fabric of sports
Our love of the game playing out
Every locked door has a key. Every problem has a solution.
Embellish your flaws. They will turn into your assets.
Marie Lu (born 1984) is a Chinese-born author. Many of her novels appeal to young adult readers. She has lived in the United States since 1989 when her family left China during the Tiananmen Square Protest.
From 1 Samuel 18:14-16: “David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. When Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in awe of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for it was he who marched out and came in leading them.”
Marching upright, heaven’s sacred drum
Accepting His will, faithfully come
Shattering evil’s empty façade
Navigating from darkness, with God
Trusting His hands, molding every heart
Following Spirit, renewing start
Searching heavens, finding lasting peace
Living in righteousness, never cease
Leaving sinful ways, Jesus leading
Steering life’s mission, now proceeding
Heeding His call, taking faith’s high road
Promising light, Lord’s mercy bestowed
Looking past Bethlehem, blood-stained cross
Seeing empty tomb, enemy’s loss
Building up redemption’s faithful walls
Touching another soul, God’s grace calls
Seeking Christian soldiers, through His Word
Lasting victory, no longer blurred
Stepping on ashes, filled with untruth
Marching with Christ, believing His truth
From 2 Timothy 2:2-3: “What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
The flame of testimony burns brightly when fed with the oil of grace.
From Psalm 23:5-6: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Harry Ironside (1876-1951) was a Canadian-born pastor, theologian, and Christian author. This renowned Bible teacher wrote over 100 books, booklets, and pamphlets.
Buying up houses
Trading for largest hotel—
Monopoly’s wealth
Bandit on the run
Car’s battery fails to start—
Police bringing charges
Old shoes in tatters
Needing firmer foundation—
Meeting new solemate
A bright light at the end of a tunnel can seem warm and inviting, or it can seem mysterious and terrifying.
All good research–whether for science or for a book–is a form of obsession.
Mary Roach (born 1959) is an American author who specializes in writing with themes about science and humor.
Psalm 106:1: “Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.”
Photo by Pedro Sandrini on Pexels.com
Life’s journey hurries along
Blessing with joy and her song
Remembering His blessings each day
Our mighty God molds us like clay
God crafts His creation with love
Offering His blessings from above
Rising from cold, darkened tomb
Christ restores light to every room
Filling with Spirit, no more strife
Savior extends His bread of life
Hiding, dark enemy ready to harm and take
Christ’s way conquers, with love He makes
Son of Man submits to our Holy Lord
Paying for sin’s ransom, so climb aboard
Being gracious for everything that shines
God, Savior, family, home, and love so fine
Life’s possessions are meager, they are
Blessings from God will carry us, truly far
Pause and consider, dropping to knees and bow
Praising God for infinite blessings, do it now
Psalm 29:11: May the Lord give strength to His people! May the Lord bless His people with peace.”
Originally published August, 2019 with revisions December, 2022.
It is not the ship in the water but the water in the ship that sinks it. So it is not the Christian in the world but the world in the Christian that constitutes the danger.
From Galatians 5:16-17: “Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want.”
American-born John Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918) was a Christian evangelist who traveled much of the United States and the world. He was influenced by the preaching of D. L. Moody as well as the ministry of Billy Sunday.
From Micah 5:3-5: “Therefore He shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of His kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they shall live secure, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth, and He shall be the one of peace.”
From root of Jesse
Rises spirit of man’s hope
Filling believers with peace
Climbing up faith’s slope
Called to one body
Newborn King shall share His peace
Extending bridges to God
Writing hope’s new lease
As children of God
Blessed be His peacemakers
Filled with Father’s righteous peace
Hope’s new groundbreakers
Future hope muffled
Reconciled through Father’s grace
Reclaiming merciful peace
Bethlehem’s birthplace
Hope’s light filled with peace
Easing burdens of others
Shattering sinful darkness
For every brother
Creation’s spirit
Promise of restoration
Foretaste of peace yet to come
Hope’s new foundation
Another beloved Advent hymn is “What Child is This.” The lyrics were crafted by English hymn writer and poet, William Chatterton Dix, in 1865. In 1871, the tune of a traditional English song, “Greensleeves,” was added to the lyrics. This hymn shares the spirit of peace, forever witnessed in the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Big Sky Buckeye 