There’s a unique sense of fulfillment that comes when we submit our gifts to God’s use and ask Him to energize them in a supernatural way–and then step back to watch what He does.
From 1 Timothy 4:14: “Do not neglect the gift that is in you.”
Lee Strobel (born 1952) is an American Christian author. Before accepting Jesus Christ, his former life revolved around investigative journalism.
From Deuteronomy 30:11, 14: “Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.”
Sowing faith’s seeds
Freeing from sin
Darkness recedes
New life begins
Guiding beyond
Walking with thee
Heavenly bond
Christ sets us free
Living with doubt
Leaving dark past
Grace reaches out
Divine broadcast
Singing with praise
Gospel’s new lease
Faith now ablaze
Bringing Christ’s peace
Bearing life’s woes
Moving each heart
Love always shows
Righteous jumpstart
Mercy abounds
Choosing life now
Seeking high ground
Christ shows us how
From Deuteronomy 30:19-20: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying Him, and holding fast to Him, for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”
The deeper into the heart of God I go, the more the Enemy will oppose me, bu the more God will draw me. The Enemy may be strong, but his strength is limited, whereas God’s grace has no limit.
From Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them.”
A select few face overwhelming challenges in life. Encouraged by a heart filled with perseverance, these trailblazers adopt an attitude where “Can” outplays “Can’t.”
Olympics track star Wilma Rudolph overcame many obstacles in her life to achieve ultimate adoration for her speed and grace.
From the words of Wilma Rudolph: “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit.”
Born in 1940, Wilma was born in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee. She was part of a large family with 21 siblings. Facing a challenging life in the segregated South, she found athletics to be her path forward in life.
However, before Wilma pursued basketball and later track, she faced major hurdles because of health issues. Born prematurely, she endured bouts with double pneumonia, scarlet fever, and polio. Her weakened left leg required her to wear a brace, and some doctors didn’t expect her to ever be able to run.
Wilma remembered her childhood journey with these words: “My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.”
Eventually, her leg grew stronger, and the brace thankfully disappeared. She became active in sports during her high school years. She was recruited by the legendary track coach at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Ed Temple.
While still in high school, Wilma qualified for the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. At age 16, she was the youngest athlete on the U.S. team. As a member of the 4 x 100 meter relay, she earned a bronze medal.
After high school graduation, Wilma moved on to Tennessee State. This natural, gifted runner prepared and trained to return to the Olympics in 1960 at Rome, Italy. Nicknamed “Skeeter” by her teammates, Wilma was more than ready to compete.
At the Rome Olympics, Wilma became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field at a single Olympics. Competing individually in the 100 and 200 meters, she overwhelmed the other competitors for two gold medals. Wanting her teammates to also earn a cherished gold medal, Wilma anchored the winning 4 x 100 meter relay.
Accolades for Wilma continued to pour in following her Olympics’ exploits. Because of her speed, beauty, and grace, the Italian press nicknamed her “The Black Gazelle.” The Associated Press awarded her Female Athlete of the Year in 1960 and 1961.
Wilma retired from competition in 1962. She fulfilled her dream of earning a college degree. For a few years, her post-athlete life included teaching, coaching, and working with underprivileged children.
The story of this African-American girl overcoming polio, poverty, and racism became a film, “Wilma,” which was released in 1977.
The following video shares a few highlights of Wilma Rudolph’s life and Olympic career.
This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
Suppose a bird is standing in a closed box that is resting on a scale. When the bird flies in the box, does the scale read the same, more, or less than when the bird is resting?
(answer found at the end of this post)
As one of the smaller states in the American Union, Maryland’s geography features contrast between the eastern Chesapeake and Atlantic shores and the western Appalachian Mountains.
Here are some quick facts about the Old Line State:
The State House, which is located in Annapolis, was occupied in 1799. It is the oldest such building in the United States. One note of history is that the building served briefly as the nation’s capitol from November 26, 1783 to August 23, 1784.
When the bird flies, it pushes down on the air, which pushes down on the scale. The scale reads the same.
How we remember, what we remember, and why we remember form the most personal map of our individuality.
The purpose of life is not to maintain personal comfort; it’s to grow the soul.
Christina Baldwin (born 1946) is an American writer, teacher, and lecturer.
Disciples
Following Christ
Hands and feet
Commissioned in His name
Serving
Disciples
Gospel messengers
Christ’s saving grace
Sowing seeds of faith
Serving
Disciples
Transforming witnesses
Walking with Jesus
Breathing with Good News
Serving
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.
The more reverence we have for the Word of God, the more joy we shall find in it.
From Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers; the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Sailing planet’s seven seas
Searching for home, life be free
Scouting horizon’s distance
Globetrotting with persistence
Navigating stormy seas
Crossing without gentle breeze
Tasting bitterness each day
Observing clouds, gloomy gray
Spending endless hours at sea
Scouting for home’s hidden key
Fleeing long-forgotten goals
Looking out one more porthole
Haunting, longest nights at sea
Racing in sailing’s grand prix
Losing track of endless time
Enduring life’s wintertime
Dreaming of home, never free
Waking up, always at sea
Knowing this quest just might end
Finding home, let’s not pretend
Keep alive the dream; for as long as a man has a dream in his heart, he cannot lose the significance of living.
Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that.
Howard Thurman (1899-1981) was a American author, theologian, and civil rights leader. His writings mentored many leaders in the civil rights movement, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Big Sky Buckeye 