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.
In the United States, the “Pledge of Allegiance” has been recited countless times in school classrooms, at the beginning of meetings, sporting events, and other instances. The original 29 words were inspired by the writings of Francis Bellamy (from 1892) and became official in 1923. In 1954, the words, “under God” were added. These 31 words mean much more than just a mere collection of words.
I have posted this video before, but it is worth a second look. Here is American comedian, Red Skelton, sharing his interpretation of the words’ meaning in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
As Americans, may we continue to see our precious flag as a testament to the collective goodness which has created and preserved this nation.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
Honor and good faith and justice are equally due from this country toward the weak as toward the strong.
Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.
Henry Clay (1777-1852) was an American lawyer and statesman. He served in both houses of the American Congress. He spent his adult life in the state of Kentucky.
From the words of American Christian author, James Dobson: “It is important to know that you have to work to keep love alive, you have to protect it and maintain it, just like you would a delicate flower.”
God’s love breaks down barriers through His grace. Then our eyes are opened to the genuine nature of His love.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
If you love Christ, never be ashamed to let others see it and know it. Speak for Him. Witness for Him. Live for Him.
From Isaiah 43:10: “You are My witnesses, says the Lord,and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Meand understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed,nor shall there be any after Me.”
John Charles (J. C.) Ryle (1816-1900) was an Anglican bishop in the United Kingdom.
This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one. You are invited to participate with the opening question.
Brain Teaser Question
I start with M, and end with X, and have a never-ending amount of letters. What am I?
(answer found at the end of this post)
Featured Facts
On November 11, 1889, Washington becomes the 42nd American state. Named for President George Washington, it is the only state named for a former President.
Here are a few interesting facts about Washington:
Capital City: Olympia
Largest Cities: Seattle (755,078), Spokane (229,447), Tacoma (222,906)
State Bird: Willow Goldfinch
State Flower: Coast Rhododendron
State Motto: Alki (By and By)
Nicknamed the “Evergreen State,” Washington’s landscape is nearly 50 percent covered in forests. Forest climate zones border both the western and eastern boundaries with the Cascade Range and the Rocky Mountains. The interior region is more arid and better suited for dryland and irrigated agriculture.
Five active volcanoes are located in the Cascade Range. The tallest is Mount Rainier at 14,410 feet above sea level. The peak’s native name is Tahoma, and it is located 59 miles south-southeast of Seattle.
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens collapses from a cataclysmic volcanic eruption. While Mount St. Helens remains an active volcano, scientists continue to monitor all of the active volcanoes as much of Washington’s population lives within a significant danger zone.
Washington is well-known for its agricultural produce as it leads the nation in harvested apples, sweet cherries, pears, and red raspberries. Nearly 8 billion pounds of apples are harvested each year, which is about 60 percent of the annual crop in the United States.
Washington’s topography is filled with many vistas, which welcome countless visitors to the state. Here is a sample of its natural and manmade wonders:
Hoh Rainforest: Only temperate rainforest located in the continental United States
Waterfalls (too numerous to list all): Colonial Creek, Marymere, Nooksack, and Spokane
Grand Coulee Dam: One of the largest hydroelectric dams in the nation (completed in 1942)
The largest city, Seattle, offers numerous attractions. The Evergreen Floating Bridge brings vehicles over Lake Washington. The Space Needle still stands after being built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Pike Place Market continues to be an attraction for visitors who want to experience its lively atmosphere as well as purchase produce, seafood, and artwork.
top left and MOVING clockwise: state capitol in olympia, mount st. helens before its eruption, mount st. helens after its eruption, SEATTLE’S evergreen point floating bridge, nooksack falls, seattle’s pike place market, willow goldfinch, spokane falls, seattle’s space needle, mount rainier, hoh rainforest, grand coulee dam, coast rhododendron. (Courtesy of Pinterest)
Life’s daily journey embraces energy from morning’s light, which fills with promises from a future rainbow.
Do you write a daily journal? This inspiring thought comes from my journal, and much of what is written in my journal comes from reading and commenting on other bloggers’ posts. Thanks to many of you for adding so much to my journal.
Big Sky Buckeye 