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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.

Beth Moore Quote

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We want Christ to hurry and calm the storm.  He wants us to find Him in the midst of it first.

From Isaiah 41:10:  “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand.”

Beth Moore (born 1957) is an American Christian evangelist, author, and teacher.

Nature’s Creation (Haiku Series #185)

All of these morning photographs were taken at two different Metro Parks (Walnut Woods and Chestnut Ridge) in central Ohio, not far from my home.  I frequently walk both of these areas.

Day Begins

Morning awakens

Creation’s treasures stirring—

Lord above smiling

Another spring day awakens along Walnut Creek.

Lasting Gifts

Season to season

Witnessing every change—

Praise God’s masterpiece

Autumn’s masterpiece of colors is captured at Chestnut Ridge.

Divine Artistry

Nature never rests

Flora and fauna’s beauty—

Creator molding

Summer’s beauty fills a hilltop garden while a solitary deer grazes.

Lady Bird Johnson Quotes

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Where flowers bloom so does hope.

My heart found its home long ago in the beauty, mystery, order and disorder of the flowering earth.

Claudia Alta Johnson (1912-2007), better know as Lady Bird Johnson, was a former United States first lady from 1963-1969, while her husband Lyndon served as President.  

Monday Memories: Pure in Heart

From Lamentations 3:25-26:  “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him.  It is good that one should wait quietly for the Salvation of the Lord.”

landscape photo of pathway between green leaf trees

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We are an impatient lot

We know what we want

We want it right now

 

God’s Word brings us wisdom

Try following a different path

 

Remain patient at all times

Allow God to be in charge

His faithful plans will unfold

 

Offer our prayers to God

Give thanks for our blessings

 

Remain ever hopeful each day

Wait faithfully with quiet reverence

For the Lord delivers Salvation

 

God allows us free will

How will we use it?

From Philippians 4:8:  “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Infuse quality into our lives

In our attitudes and thoughts

Guard our actions and words

 

Influence our daily course

Adjust our tone of thoughts

 

Jesus taught us to believe

“Blessed are the pure in heart

For they will see God”

background close up day daytime

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From the words of evangelical pastor Henry Blackaby:  “God is concerned about your life in Eternity.  Allow Him to take all the time He needs to shape you for His purposes.”

 

Benjamin Franklin Quotes

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Where liberty dwells, there is my country.

They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a Founding Father of the United States.  He served his nation as a prominent statesman and effective diplomat.  

Retelling His Story

From Lamentations 3:22-23:  “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

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Retelling His story

Filling with wonder’s peace

Becoming never old

Rekindling life’s new lease

 

Witnessing His message

Loving God with whole heart

Grasping forever’s grace

Walking with Lord’s fresh start

 

Retelling His story

Sitting near empty tomb

Sharing Salvation’s news

Lighting yesterday’s gloom

 

Tasting His Holy Word

Longing for heaven’s home

Hungering for much more

Breaking chains, free to roam

 

Retelling His story

Finding Jesus nearby

Seeking new mercy’s grace

Cherishing faith’s bullseye

 

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This inspiration for this poem comes from the beloved hymn, “I Love to Tell the Story.”  One of any believers most blessed tasks is to share and tell the story of Jesus Christ.  Country singer Alan Jackson is a renowned Gospel singer, and he sings this wonderful hymn.  Enjoy.

Charles Stanley Quote

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No matter how many good deeds we’ve done or how many mistakes we’ve made, God’s love for us remains the same.

From Isaiah 49:15-16:  “Can a woman forget her nursing child or show no compassion for the child of her womb?  Even these might forget, yet I will not forget you.  See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”

Final Showdown

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After a couple of hours of card playing, the final stakes come down to this rivalry between two players.  Their card-playing skills have outlasted the rest of the field.

The final hand is ready to go with cards now being shuffled and dealt.  The room’s atmosphere deals out its own stillness, filled with the sharpened concentration of these two savvy card sharks.

The old man’s mind strains to stay focused, and his eyes fill with intensity.  The master has traveled down this path many times in the past.  His experience is sure to overcome his younger opponent.

The young, upstart challenges for the master’s crown.  His fearless, confident approach attempts to break through.  Will his skills and luck be enough?

Looking over their cards again and again, both competitors try to gain one last advantage before this final, dramatic hand plays out.

The room’s activity grows quiet.  The small gallery of onlookers silently waits for the night’s final outcome.

The young man understands that the next play will determine the winner.  Victory is within his reach.

Grandpa boldly asks, “Got any four’s?”

His determined grandson replies back with a smile, “Go fish!”

Curious Trivial Facts (7/2)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  We can all appreciate some of the lesser known facts from around the world.

Collarless sweaters that button down the front were named for the man who was fond of wearing them–James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan.  In addition to starting a fashion trend, Brudenell led the famous Change of the Light Brigade in 1854, during the Crimean War.

“Wicked” author Gregory Maguire chose Elphaba as the name of the Wicked Witch of the West in tribute to “Oz” author L. Frank Baum.  The name is a phonetic take on Baum’s initials, L-F-B.

These facts have been discovered in I NEVER KNEW THAT by David Hoffman (2009).

Eleanor Roosevelt Quotes

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The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was a former first lady of the United States during her husband’s tenure as President (1933-1945).  Her life was filled with many accomplishments and pursuits outside of her political involvement with her husband:  diplomat (United Nations) and activist (human rights).