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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.

Oswald Chambers Quote

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The real test of the saint is not preaching the Gospel, but washing disciples’ feet, that is, doing the things that do not count in the actual estimate of men, but count everything in the estimate of God.

From 2 Corinthians 12:15:  “I will most gladly spend and be spent for you.  If I love you more, am I to be loved less?”

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.

Life’s Preciousness

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Recalling life’s preciousness

Cherishing every moment

Savoring family’s past

Dreaming of tomorrow’s hugs

 

Recounting lasting blessings

Beholding father’s wisdom

Echoing voice of knowledge

Conquering each new challenge

 

Reflecting on nature’s gifts

Catching creation’s newness

Framing winter’s white portrait

Tasting another sunrise

 

Waking to morning coffee

Embracing daily treasures

Mapping out daily shortcuts

Visiting newfound places

 

Gathering of long-time friends

Revealing closeness of all

Enjoying hours filled with joy

Discovering something new

 

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Notable Philosophers Quotes

John Locke (1632-1704)

Wherever Law ends, Tyranny begins.

Rene Descartes (1596-1650)

There is nothing more ancient than the truth.

John Locke was an English philosopher and physician.  He is often referred to as the “Father of Liberalism.”

Rene Descartes was a French philosopher and mathematician.  His works were instrumental in the emergence of modern philosophy and science.  

Falling Short

From Isaiah 1:4:  “Woe, sinful nation, people laden with iniquity, offspring who do evil, children who act corruptly, who have forsaken the Lord, who have despised the Holy One of Israel, who are utterly estranged!”

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Rebels and sinners

Destroying mankind

Forsaking our Lord

Always running blind

 

Evil filled with sin

Facing God’s high court

Shamming His guidance

Always falling short

 

His wrath pouring out

Avenging life’s foes

Consuming darkness

Always Father knows

 

Zion falls empty

Trampling God no more

Heeding to listen

Always grace to pour

 

Savior born on earth

Wielding Gospel’s might

Sharing His mercy

Always Christ’s daylight

 

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From Isaiah 1:18:  “Come now, let us argue it out, says the LordIf your sins are like scarlet, will they become like snow?  If they are red like crimson, will they become like wool?”

Watchman Nee Quote

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God will answer all our questions in one way and one way only.  Namely, by showing us more of His Son.

From John 3:17-18:  “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through Him.  Those who believe in Him are not condemned, but those who do not believe are condemned already because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

Watchman Nee (1903-1972) was a Chinese church leader and Christian teacher.  He authored a collection of Christian books, and he endured persecution for his beliefs.  Ultimately, he died while being imprisoned for the final twenty years of his life.

Overflowing Kindness (Haiku Series #201)

Preparing

Sowing seeds of love

Reaping bountiful harvest–

Spirit plants kindness

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Transforming

Kindness breathing grace

Actions sweeter than honey—

Purging bitterness

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Benevolence

Words packed with kindness

Unlocking life’s path of peace–

Melting hardened hearts

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Richard Ford Quotes

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Married life requires shared mystery even when all the facts are known.

Most things don’t stay the way they are for very long.  I take nothing for granted and try to be ready for the change that’s soon to come.

Richard Ford (born 1944) is an American novelist and short story writer.  One of his most recognized and honored works is the novel, INDEPENDENCE DAY, which earned him a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1996.

Monday Memories: Mercy Sends Love

From Hebrews 8:18:  “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

beach coast island landscape

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Darkness cannot hide from His light

Our merciful God, filled with might

Walking above His creation, God choreographs

From early morning to eventual nightfall

 

Climbing to mountaintops, above life’s battleground

With every step, God’s always present

Witnessing just how far we’ve come

Every victory is earned through Him

 

We carry scars from numerous struggles

Our hearts always feel God’s presence

Receiving joy-filled Grace, always free

Truly, we never feel left alone

 

Almighty God comes in three persons

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit alive

Pure, perfect, faithful, and with love

God’s creation reflects His Holy plan

 

God sends a champion, His Son

From a cruel Cross, comes love

A dark, empty tomb brings hope

Mercy sends love in Jesus Christ

 

Coming to Christ, dead in sin

Christ’s eternal love washes over us

Releasing us from shackles of sin

We are redeemed, forever set free

 

Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior

Our new life begins through Him

Resurrection’s light, Christ has our backs

His endless love walks with us

brown wooden crucifix photography

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Charles Stanley Quote

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If we expect God to work according to our timetable, we’re likely to face disappointment.  Ours is a long-term walk of faith.

From Hebrews 11:1-3:  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval.  By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.”

Heavens Open Up

From Jeremiah 14:20-21:  “We acknowledge our wickedness, O Lord, the iniquity of our ancestors, for we have sinned against You.  Do not spurn us, for Your name’s sake; do not dishonor Your glorious throne; remember and do not break Your covenant with us.”

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Famine in spirit

Eroding landscape

Darkest days ahead

Hopelessness takes shape

 

False prophets at work

Preaching hollow words

Continuous gloom

Gospel never heard

 

Sin ravages lives

Seeking true healing

Spirit never waits

Always revealing

 

Christ’s redemption saves

Spurning evil ways

Ember of faith grows

Resurrection’s blaze

 

Heavens open up

Showering God’s love

Grace enriches trust

Hope shines from above

 

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From Jeremiah 14:22:  “Can any idols of the nations bring rain, or can the heavens give showers?  Is it not You, O Lord our God?  We set our hope on You, for it is You who do all this.”