Unknown's avatar

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.

Nothing Greater (Elfchen Series #85)

Be True

Confession

With repentance

Walking with righteousness

Stepping forward into light

Obedience

Photo by Adrien Olichon on Pexels.com

Be Fed

Invitation

Hungry feast

Nourishes spirit’s needs

With faith and grace

Forgiveness

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Be Saved

Resurrection

Empty tomb

Grace overcomes darkness

Transforming our “broken glass”

Redemption

Photo by Lehel Mozgai on Pexels.com

Oswald Chambers Quote

Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr. on Pexels.com

There is no escape when our Lord speaks.  He always comes with an arrestment of the understanding.

From Hebrews 4:12:  “Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

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.

Family’s Love

From 1 John 4:7:  “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”

Photo by Jessica Lynn Lewis on Pexels.com

Vulnerable and broken

Young lives scattering like chaff

Fractured, alone in darkness

Story needs new paragraph

 

Emulating Jesus’ love

Family opens their home

One lost child, then another

Spirit reaches out, love roams

 

Called by Christ, door swings open

Wrapping His love around each

Two daughters bond as sisters

New lessons waken to teach

 

Family’s love grows daily

Centered around faith and trust

Christ’s joy filling each new page

Four lives together, robust

 

Future looking brighter now

Surrounded by parents’ love

Sisters linking together

Jesus smiles from above

 

Photo by Kelly L on Pexels.com

In the United States, the month of November recognizes the significance of adoption.  When a family reaches out to provide foster care for a deserving child, this is one of life’s most unselfish, blessed tasks.  As in the case of our family, this story opens life’s new chapter for our granddaughters, both adopted into our family.  

Refocusing Lens

From Philippians 4:5-6:  “ Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near.  Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Photo by Ugur Tandogan on Pexels.com

Like Apostle Paul

Facing dark trials

Acts of injustice

Covering each mile

 

Never complaining

Rejoicing with joy

Each of life’s moments

Shirking evil’s ploy

 

Eyes fixed on Jesus

Refocusing lens

Worry set aside

Walking with our friend

 

Troubles fall away

Accepting Christ’s Word

Life’s highway brightens

Seeing hope, unblurred

 

Hearts and minds open

Learning more each day

Jesus strengthens us

Kneeling now, let’s pray

 

Photo by Ethan Sees on Pexels.com

From Philippians 4:13:  “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Charles Swindoll Quote

Photo by Dustin Tray on Pexels.com

People who inspire others are those who see invisible bridges at the end of dead-end streets.

From Jeremiah 29:11:  “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

Experience Life (Haiku Series #161)

Only in America

Making George big bucks

Entrepreneur Foreman—

Burger grilling time

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels.com

Script Flips

Willingness to share

Bit of life’s sweet chocolate—

Frowns turn into smiles

Photo by Eren Li on Pexels.com

Teamwork Triumphs

Humbleness bears fruit

Together, tight as a fist—

Working as just one

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

Ida Tarbell Quotes

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Imagination is the only key to the future.  Without it none exists–with it all things are possible.

We were raising our standard of living a the expense of our standard of character.

Ida Tarbell (1857-1944) was an American writer and investigative journalist.  She was one of the leading muckrakers during the progressive era during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Monday Memories: Seeking His Guidance

auto automobile automotive car

Photo by Mike on Pexels.com

From Psalm 37:23-24:  “Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when He delights in our way; though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the Lord holds us by the hand.”

God wants us to succeed today

Asking for our patience and trust

Allowing faith to rebuild hope

Studying from His Word, we must

 

Always trusting in our Father

Bringing us guidance and His love

Achieving good through His name

Touching hearts, His joy sings above

 

We are never forsaken, never

Leading, God offers direction

Finding the means, moving forward

Meeting trials with reflection

 

The wicked gather all around

Following the Enemy’s lies

Causing God to judge their follies

Coming Judgment Day will apprise

 

Our Savior’s coming, all waiting

Receiving God’s Grace, what a gift

The Lord standing with the righteous

Accepting His plan, lives not adrift

 

We may still misstep and stumble

Preventing us from falling down

Reaching out, God’s hand guiding us

Fleeing, the thirsty Enemy frowns

 

Through His Word, the Father blesses

Giving generously, all with love

Choosing Jesus, Salvation comes

Seeking God’s guidance, from above

From the words of Dutch priest, writer, and theologian Henri Nouwen:  “A spiritual discipline is necessary in order to move slowly from an absurd to an obedient life, from a life filled with noisy worries to a life in which there is some free inner space where we can listen to our God and follow His guidance.”

man s hand in shallow focus and grayscale photography

Photo by lalesh aldarwish on Pexels.com