If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it.
One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began.
Mary Oliver (1935-2019) was a best-selling American poet, who received many honors for her work. Her love of nature can be found in much of her writing, and it resulted in honors from the National Book Award in 1992 and Pulitzer Prize in 1984.
From the words of American pastor and Christian teacher, Charles Stanley: “Jesus teaches what to focus on in our prayers and encourages us to approach God with a humble heart.”
Praying with humble heart
Focusing on God
His name, kingdom, and will
Comforting, His rod
Lauding His Holiness
Kneeling at Lord’s feet
“Hallowed be your name” rings
Praying on His beat
Praying in reverence
Submitting to God
“Your kingdom come” proclaims
Lifting sin’s facade
Knowing God’s way is best
Trusting faithfulness
“Your will be done” shares grace
Praying, God shall bless
From Matthew 6:9-10: “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Be specific in your prayer life.
From Psalm 32:6: “Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.”
This moment in time
Our story turns to new page—
Another year comes
Trading snow shovels
Absent Ohio winter—
Time for umbrellas
Each worthy surprise
Life’s unique blessings waiting—
Around each corner
Writing bridges the inner and outer worlds and connects the paths of action and reflection.
Story is the mother of us all, for we become who we say we are.
Christina Baldwin (born 1946) is an American writer, teacher, and lecturer.
From Luke 12:32-34: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in Heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
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Mankind endlessly searches earth’s treasures
Wandering and looking under each rock
Few ever deliver much to measure
As time flees, few seconds left on a clock
Treasures worth seeking, always to be found
Depositing the seeds of faith with God
His Word brings a richness, lovingly bound
Accept now His Grace, with a “yes” and nod
No earthly treasure can compare to this
Eternal life awaits, accept His call
Taking up our cross, we follow God’s list
His Holy treasure, never fails or falls
Following our Lord, no need to measure
Christ’s blood brings a harvest of treasures
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America’s Minister of Encouragement, Dennis Swanberg, writes: “There is absolutely no evidence that complexity and materialism lead to happiness. On the contrary, there is plenty of evidence that simplicity and spirituality lead to joy, a blessedness that is better than happiness.”
It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright.
Well done is better than well said.
Much of Franklin’s wisdom was shared in his published pamphlet, “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” which appeared continually from 1732 to 1758. He adopted the pseudonym of “Poor Richard” or “Richard Saunders” as the publisher and author.
From Joshua 1:9: “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Man’s human nature
Wrestling with new fears
Breathing with unease
Darkening frontiers
Fear all consuming
Racing with flurry
Suffocating breath
Heartbreaking worry
Root of lasting doubt
Distrusting our God
Overlooking grace
Hiding, sin’s facade
Strength walks with courage
Turning to God’s Word
Following His law
Trusting faith’s watchword
Scripture holding fast
Anchoring with peace
Receiving Lord’s love
Blessing life’s new lease
Christ’s moral compass
Shepherding with grace
Walking in His trust
Slowing down life’s race
From the words of American pastor and Christian teacher, Charles Stanley: “To conquer our fears, we should identify them but then focus instead of God and Scripture.”
Rouse yourself up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. “Look unto Me,” and salvation is, the moment you look.
From Isaiah 45:22: “I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
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.
The Great War (later renamed World War I) began on July 28, 1914. The rapid mobilization of armies carried the war forward until November 18, 1918. This poem shares a narrative voice of those decisive years.
Entangling treaties joining nations
Old school diplomacy’s fixation
Glorification of war’s romance
Titanic wills collide, ghostly dance
Distant continent boiling over
Single shot ignites war’s makeover
Ill-prepared, mortal combat waiting
Millions now face death, devastating
Modern weaponry overpowers
Military tactics of old sour
Now transforming nations’ fertile ground
Mankind’s killing fields, forever found
Privileged few making decisions
Common citizens fill divisions
Ruthless fighting in blood-filled trenches
Calling soldiers into death’s clenches
Exhausted nations, pushing ahead
World waiting for war’s sunset instead
Men, resources, and will running low
At last, reason stops war’s bloody flow
War to end all wars finally ends
Lasting peace stands ready to pretend
English writer, H. G. Wells (1866-1946), who is sometimes called the “Father of Science Fiction,” also provided social commentary. These words share his sentiments about war: “It is not reasonable that those who gamble with men’s lives should not stake their own.” “If we don’t end war, war will end us.”
Big Sky Buckeye 