If you expect someone else to guide you, you’ll be lost.
You don’t build a bond without being present.
James Earl Jones Quotes
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Author Archives: bigskybuckeye
Changing Times
Good morning neighbor! I’ve been struggling with this rapidly changing world of ours. So, I hope you are doing better than me.
I have been deeply pondering the way words keep changing in meaning. If it is hard for me to understand, just imagine how Merriam and Webster are doing.
ZOOM used to refer to a camera lens moving in for a close-up. Now . . . it refers to some type of online meeting. Since I don’t have one of them fancy phones, I guess no will invite me to attend.
HOARDERS used to refer to people who collected everything under the sun as they filled up their basements, garages, and sheds with memories and junk. Now . . . it refers to anyone who creates a home warehouse for toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disinfectants. Now I know why Bobby always has his garage door closed.
CASH used to refer to a time when we paid for things with currency, you know, the green stuff. Now . . . who can even remember the image on a $10 bill or a $20 bill?
FACE MASK used to refer to a part of an American football player’s helmet. Now . . . it refers to a way to protect yourself and show love to your neighbor at the same time. Hmm, are you on the same page with me? How do I look?
WHOPPER used to refer to one of the biggest and grandest of the burger world (and you could have it your way). Now . . . it refers to a “meatless” burger. Can you hear Clara Peller (from a competitor’s old TV commercial) shouting, “Where’s the beef?”
SOCIAL DISTANCING used to refer to the proper distance between a boy and a girl at a middle school dance. Now . . . it refers to a way to stay healthy and safe. I guess I’m all in with this new logic. How about you?
CURBSIDE PICKUP used to refer to a trash truck picking up some oversized items in the neighborhood. Now . . . it refers to a new way to buy groceries, without ever entering the store. Hmm, I hope the store’s gopher didn’t squeeze the Charmin (God Bless Mr. Whipple).
Now before I go, will you help me understand one more new word, VIRTUAL? We never witnessed this word much in the 20th Century, but now it is mentioned with everything . . . online classrooms, work from home, political campaigns, and even vacations.
These changing times are almost too much for a man of my age to fully understand. Well, I guess I can always rely on my grandchildren for some help. They don’t think I’m “over the hill” quite yet.
In all seriousness, I encourage all of us to be safe and stay as healthy as possible. Remember to wash your hands, wear a mask, and practice social distancing.
Charles Swindoll Quote
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Personally, I think a healthy sense of humor is determined by at least three abilities:
- The ability to laugh at our mistakes
- The ability to accept justified criticism–and get over it
- The ability to interject (or at least enjoy) wholesome humor when surrounded by a tense, heated situation
From Proverbs 15:13: “A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.”
Living with Confidence
A very early poem of mine was entitled “Still a Desperate Man” which was inspired by Eric Church’s top country music hit of “Desperate Man.” If you missed the earlier poem, follow the link. I want to thank Jim Borden of Borden’s Blather for encouraging me to write this sequel. I encourage you to check out Jim’s blog with its wonderful and inspiring variety of posts.
Waking up each morning, right on time
My alarm clock allows this day to climb
Feeling happiness—this life now rhymes
Driving to work in a brand new set of wheels
With low monthly payments, my wallet squeals
Feeling joy—kicking up these dancing heels
Returning from work, this day’s in the books
Satisfied with how that hefty, new raise looks
Feeling elation—inviting a new life’s chinook
Opening up the fridge, filled with favorite delights
Dinner tonight, taking taste buds to new heights
Feeling serenity—life marches in bright lights
Opening the mail one quiet afternoon
My love’s note makes this heart swoon
Feeling peace—love takes us to the moon
Looking forward to seeing her this weekend
Her love will always be a blessed godsend
Feeling humility—life no longer at loose ends
This incredible life now follows a new game plan
Sailing calm waters aboard life’s catamaran
No longer will I ever feel like a desperate man
Jim Cymbala Quote
We urgently need people who encourage and inspire us to move toward God.
From Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Values of a Nation (Elfchen Series #20)
Common Ground
Freedom
Many examples
Sheltered from fear
Basic human need for
All
Working Together
Liberty
Different meanings
Across a nation
Finding common ground as
One
Moving Forward
Trust
Competing views
Seeking the light
Finding balance for a
Nation
The German-inspired poetry style of Elfchen (or Elevenie) contains five lines of poetic verse, usually without the use of rhyming verses. A total of 11 words are used with a sequence of one, two, three, and four words before ending with a single word in the final verse.
Annie Dillard Quotes
Aim for the chopping block. If you aim for the wood, you have nothing. Aim past the wood, aim through the wood; aim for the chopping block.
You can’t test courage cautiously.
Monday Memories: Nightly Sentinels
Silent darkness arrives along the lake’s shore
Bringing beauty, but there is danger and more
Nightfall’s murkiness shrouding any potential peril
Hiding exposed reefs and shoals that may imperil
Loaded vessels silently lumber toward their destinations
Navigating through the gloom to reach their final stations
Danger lurking along a concealed shoreline in the empty dark
Demanding the skipper to plot a course so steady on its mark
A lighthouse stands alone by the shore’s breakwater
Warning of unexpected hazards so ships don’t falter
For years, Lake Erie’s travel routes have been patrolled
Providing warning lights and fog sirens, bright and bold
Numerous nighttime sentries light up along Ohio’s coast
Protecting ships and crew at locations that harbor a post
Ashtabula, Sandusky, Conneaut, Marblehead, and Lorain
Marking safe passage for crossing Erie’s shipping lanes
A misty fog blanketing the rocky shore this lonely night
Synchronizing light with sound, a lone sentinel’s might
Today’s ships cruise with improved navigational systems
Sparking too many lighthouses to decline and fall victim
Some guardians along Erie’s shore are preserved
Reminding visitors of a rich, past history to serve
Unique and fascinating designs still live to shine
Preventing accidents and calamities for all time
American Presidents Quotes
Millard Fillmore
May God save the country, for it is evident that people will not.
Franklin Pierce
If your past is limited, your future is boundless.
Defeating Darkness His Way
From Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
God’s people under attack
Roaring lion on the prowl
Looking for prey to devour
Evil presence brings a scowl
Days becoming the darkest
Running away from the Lord
But, hope waits like eagles’ wings
Holy Spirit comes aboard
Remaining strong with our Lord
Under His mighty power
Wearing protective armor
God’s Word will carry the hour
Our Father’s righteousness speaks
Spirit with us on this day
Withstanding what evil brings
Defeating darkness His way
Time to witness hope-filled faith
Praying daily for action
Quench evil’s flaming arrows
Calling for man’s retraction
Behind His truth, standing firm
Urging others to repent
Proclaiming Gospel of peace
Our Holy God will relent
From Psalm 85:6-7: “Will you not revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.”
Big Sky Buckeye 