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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.

Trivia’s Facts and More (8/20)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, and has a bed but never sleeps?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Many Americans know some facts about the first President of the United States, George Washington.  Here are a few to note.

Before becoming a soldier and military leader, he spent some of his younger years as a surveyor.  He was home schooled on the family plantation in Westmoreland County in the Colony of Virginia.  This was quite common for youth growing up in many of the southern colonies.

Here are some lesser known facts about “The Father of His Country.”  Prior to being elected President, Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention which crafted the iconic American Constitution, which is still used to this day.

Few people can remember which political party he was affiliated with during his time as President.  Washington was the only President to never be tied to a specific political party.

In his farewell address at the end of his second term in office, President Washington expressed his disdain for political parties.  He felt that the young country should function without them.  His words from this speech spoke with the following vision:

“[The spirit of party] serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration.  It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection.”

In 1796, Gilbert Stuart painted this life-size portrait of President Washington. (courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

A river.

Susan Sontag Quotes

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The writer’s first job is not to have opinions but to tell the truth . . . and refuse to be an accomplice of lies and misinformation.

The fear of becoming old is born of the recognition that one is not living now the life that one wishes.

Susan Sontag (1933-2004) was an American writer, philosopher, and political activist.  Many of her works were published as essays.

John Maxwell Quote

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I may not be able to change the world I see around me, but I can change the way I see the world within me.

From Genesis 1:27:  “So God created humans in His image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”

John Maxwell (born 1947) is an American pastor, author, and speaker.  He has written numerous books about leadership, with a Christian point of view.

Future’s Hope

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Stirring in early morn

Feeling approaching tide

Future’s hope now airborne

Flying without clear guide

 

Standing still at crossing

Waiting for next green light

Future now crisscrossing

Hiding in hopeless night

 

Looking for place to rest

Stumbling along dark road

Future stalls at hill’s crest

Spilling hope’s heavy load

 

Waking to darkest gloom

Hoping for one sure thing

Future trying to bloom

Hanging on threadbare string

 

Seeing fresh hope renewed

Shifting life’s paradigm

Future no longer skewed

Finding success to climb

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Jane Austen Quotes

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It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.

I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an acclaimed English novelist.  Much of her writings dealt with women’s pursuit of a more favorable social standing as well as economic security.

Helping Hand

From John 14:15-16:  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.”

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Walking with Jesus

Seeing within Him

Father in Heaven

Praising with each hymn

 

Believing in Christ

Listening to God

Heavenly dwellings

Beating evil’s odds

 

Asking of Jesus

Filling with His love

Commandments followed

Blessings from above

 

Leaving Advocate

Stepping into lives

Holy Spirit breathes

His helping hand thrives

 

Fulfilling promise

Teaching everything

Spirit within hearts

Living truth to bring

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From John 14:26:  “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.”

Charles Stanley Quote

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Every time you see a cross, remember what it really was–an instrument of execution.  Though the scene of your redemption was horrendous, Christ turned the cross into a place of great triumph.

From Colossians 2:13-14:  “And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with Him, when He forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands.  He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.”

Timeless Gifts (Haiku Series #191)

Joy

Good morning sunrise

Walking in nature’s garden—

Sunset shares her peace

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Symphony

Enjoy life’s journey

Nature’s melody plays on—

Blessed harmony

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Intermission

Day’s energy wanes

Setting sun’s refreshing drink—

Twilight standing still

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Gary Smalley Quotes

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Life is relationships; the rest is just details.

If a man truly wants to communicate with his wife, he must enter her world of emotions.

Gary Smalley (1940-2016) was an American family counselor and best-selling author.  His writings focus on family and marriage from a Christian perspective.

Monday Memories: Receiving Peace

photo of person standing on cliff

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From John 14:25-27:  “I have said these things to you while I am still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Receiving peace, covering far and near

Generating from God’s genuine love

Peace be within us, God blesses our souls

Through His Word, accepting grace from above

 

Tranquility resting, among God’s flock

Lord forever standing, with heaven’s peace

Surpassing all of our understanding

Jesus lives, delivering life’s new lease

 

Rely on Christ, seeking His inner peace

Through our Savior, nurturing hearts and minds

In faithfulness, accepting Him as Lord

Teach us to follow, salvation we find

 

Living Holy Spirit, guided by God

Transforming love, joy, peace—granted from God

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