Yielding to Jesus will break every form of slavery in any human life.
From Romans 6:6: “We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin.”
Flying high above
Gray sky’s lonely sentinel—
Solitary spy
Unchecked challenges
Emotional behavior—
Nature spills over
Season to season
Creation’s precious treasures—
Never growing old
The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.
Virtue knows no color line.
Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) was involved in the early years of the civil rights movement in the United States. Her background also included positions in investigative journalism and education. She was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Written in February, 2020, this poem reflects forward in time when one is living those final precious years. In taking this Christian view, we ask God for those treasured “five more minutes.”
The elderly man’s final strength turns to run
His long, full life now enters its final sunset
Recalling the good times, craving a bit more
“Five more minutes” before the setting sun
Swapping one more story, with my dear Dad
His role in life, serving as my own launch pad
Listening to Neil Diamond, singing one more song
He conveys my love for “America”—forever strong
Taking extra time to say, “I sincerely apologize”
For actions which turned out bad, not very wise
Please God, just five more minutes . . .
Fishing the Madison River, time for one more cast
Herb standing ready, with a memory from the past
Experiencing one more awe-inspiring sunrise
One only God can create, His lasting surprise
Sharing a moment, with a special great-grandchild
Before falling back to sleep, she winks and smiles
Please God, just five more minutes . . .
Witnessing fresh, fallen snow—pristine white
Pine trees show off under moon’s bright light
Stepping into a high school classroom once more
Taking notes from the elite of the teaching corps
Witnessing a Big Montana Sky, fetches a smile
Please allow me to see, at least one more mile
Please God, just five more minutes . . .
Traveling to a place, never seen before
Anxious to view, what’s really in store?
Sharing with my bride, “I love you” one more time
Enduring heartbeats and affection, forever rhyme
Asking my Heavenly Father, for forgiveness
My risen Lord and Savior, being my witness
Thank you God for these five more minutes!
Courage is doing something you need to do that might get you hurt.
If somebody mistreats you, treat ’em good. That kills ’em.
American football coach Bobby Bowden (1929-2021) coached the Florida State Seminoles from 1976 to 2009. He is considered to be one of college football’s greatest coaches. Being a Christian, Bowden credited his success in coaching to his faith.
From Isaiah 9:6-7: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders; and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and His kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Faithful God’s Holy love
Shining from Bethlehem
Blessed virgin gives birth
In world filled with mayhem
Hope springs forth from God’s love
Filling manger with grace
Messiah born this night
Stable now Holy place
Divine love preaches faith
Sharing Lord’s precious gift
Behold man’s salvation
Satan’s plans now adrift
Peace covers earth’s landscape
Sowing eternal love
Savior’s mission begins
Father views from above
Lasting joy now goes forth
Hearing angels singing
Christ’s love, Calvary’s cross
Forgiveness now bringing
You are invited to join in prayer: Lord God, your love and mercy promise hope, joy, and peace. During this season of Advent, open our hearts in preparation to receive our Savior. Amen.
Written in 1865 by English hymn writer, William Chatterton Dix, the hymn of “What Child Is This?” is sung by Charlotte Church. The lyrics are based upon the verses from Isaiah 9:6-7, and the tune is “Greensleeves.”
God has entrusted to us a great deal. He knows that we can do all things by His grace, so He’s trusting in us to trust Him.
From Psalm 31:7-8: “I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adversities, and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.”
A supermarket can be one of life’s greatest adventures for a pair of boys, who are about a year or two away from starting elementary school.
Pete and James have been traveling with their parents on a short trip.
Taking a break to buy a few items, the parents and the boys make a quick stop in a larger, nearby city. The boys have never seen such a big store, and they are curious about what waits on the massive rows of different products neatly arranged on the endless shelves.
While their father and mother pause to have a conversation, the boys become quite curious with rows and rows of men’s shaving cream cans. The shelf sits at their level with everything in easy reach. They look at each other as if to say, “Who wants to push the button on the top of the can?”
Pete, being the older of the two brothers, quite literally takes matters into his own hands. He picks up one of the capless cans, and presses his finger down on the button.
Suddenly, a huge ball of white foam erupts out of the can . . . right toward father’s pants!
With a quick look at the disaster they’ve made, the brothers make a quick escape as they dash around the corner of the aisle, without either of their parents having a clue about what has just happened.
Just as the boys run around to the next door aisle, father notices something white on his pants, near his front pocket. The foam just seems to keep growing as he touches it. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a handkerchief to wipe up the damp, foamy mess. He tells his wife, “Where did this shaving cream come from?”
Turning around, mother asks, “Where are the boys?”
Both of the parents scan one end of the aisle, then the other end. Sure enough, they notice two familiar faces peeking back at them. Their look says it all, “We’re busted, and now we’re in big trouble.”
Seeing that their quick escape has failed, the brotherly tandem walks slowly back toward their parents. As Pete approaches with the shaving cream can in one hand, smiles and laughter quickly take over the scene. Father’s handkerchief has just about cleaned up the white foam off of his pants.
Funny thing! Father doesn’t even use shaving cream because he’s an electric razor guy.
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.
It takes approximately six to eight hundred grapes to produce one bottle of wine.
Joe Sheridan was closing up his restaurant at Ireland’s Foynes Airport in 1945 when bad weather forced a transatlantic flight to turn around and come back. Realizing that the plane’s passengers would be tired and irritable, Sheridan stayed late and greeted them with coffee that had been mixed with a little sugar, spiked with a shot of Irish whiskey, and topped with freshly whipped cream. When asked if what they were drinking was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan replied, “No. It’s Irish coffee.” The name stuck.
These facts have been discovered in I NEVER KNEW THAT by David Hoffman (2009).
Nothing in the world is ever completely wrong. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Tears are words that need to be written.
Big Sky Buckeye 